Navi Mumbai Traffic Authorities Introduce New Measures For Improving Driver Awareness
Navi Mumbai, 13th December 2024: In response to the tragic accident involving a wet lease BEST bus in Kurla, which resulted in seven deaths and 42 injuries, the Navi Mumbai Municipal Transport (NMMT) and local traffic authorities have initiated efforts to assess and improve drivers’ traffic knowledge and safety practices.
As part of these initiatives, the Koparkhairane traffic branch organized a special workshop at the Ghansoli bus depot on Wednesday, where over 100 bus drivers participated in a refresher course on vehicle operation.
The Navi Mumbai Commissioner of Police and the Municipal Commissioner are set to meet soon to explore new strategies for enhancing awareness among bus drivers. “We have had preliminary discussions, and new solutions will be implemented soon,” said Commissioner of Police Milind Bharambe.
NMMT operates a fleet of 220 electric buses with more than 400 drivers. According to NMMT manager Yogesh Kaduskar, drivers undergo around 15 days of initial training before being assigned to any vehicle, and regular refresher courses are conducted. “The recent workshop is part of our ongoing efforts to ensure that drivers strictly adhere to traffic regulations,” Kaduskar explained.
During the workshop, drivers were reminded of the importance of following traffic laws to avoid accidents. The session stressed their role in ensuring passenger safety and maintaining vehicles. Drivers were specifically cautioned against using mobile phones while driving, running red lights, or speeding.
“NMMT has always enforced strict measures against errant drivers. A few years ago, we suspended a bus driver’s license for six months for using his phone while driving. We also take extra precautions when re-issuing licenses and ensure strict adherence to duty schedules, limiting drivers to six hours of continuous driving to guarantee proper rest,” Kaduskar added.
The traffic department has also begun random breathalyzer tests for bus drivers. Additionally, NMMT plans to introduce simulator-based training. “We are looking into simulator technology, similar to that used for pilot training, to help bus drivers familiarize themselves with city road conditions,” said an NMMT official.
