1 hr ago
Maharashtra launches drug-free transport campaign for safer journeys
Maharashtra is starting a campaign to make transport safer by stopping people from driving after using alcohol or drugs.
The program will first check drivers working for state buses and government vehicles.
Later, it may include taxis, private buses, trucks, school vehicles, ambulances, and other transport services.
Drivers may take breathalyser tests before work.
They may also face planned or surprise drug tests.
New kits could quickly look for cannabis and other narcotics.
A positive first test will need to be confirmed with another test.
Drivers who cannot safely drive will be replaced temporarily.
The government says drivers who need help will receive counselling, treatment, and rehabilitation.
Maharashtra Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik announced a statewide campaign called “Drug-Free Driver, Safe Journey, Capable Maharashtra.”
The initiative will establish alcohol- and drug-testing systems across passenger and freight transport sectors between 2026 and 2029.
The campaign will begin with MSRTC buses, municipal services, government vehicles, public-sector fleets, and state-contracted vehicles.
Authorities plan breathalyser checks, routine and surprise drug screenings, certified rapid-testing kits, confirmatory tests, and digital compliance tracking.
Drivers who test positive will be removed from driving duties, while counselling, medical evaluation, treatment, and rehabilitation will be offered.
- Who
- Maharashtra Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik, the MSRTC, the Transport Department, and transport operators and drivers.
- What
- A statewide campaign to prevent alcohol- and drug-impaired driving through testing, enforcement, treatment, and rehabilitation.
- Where
- Across Maharashtra, initially covering MSRTC and government-related transport services before expanding to private, industrial, freight, education, and medical transport.
- When
- Announced Friday; the integrated testing framework is planned for 2026 to 2029.
- Why
- To improve driver and passenger safety and reduce risks from driving under the influence.
Key facts
- Campaign name
- Drug-Free Driver, Safe Journey, Capable Maharashtra
- Announced by
- Pratap Sarnaik, Maharashtra Transport Minister and MSRTC chairman
- Implementation period
- 2026–2029
- Initial coverage
- MSRTC buses, municipal bus services, government vehicles, public-sector fleets, and state-contracted vehicles
- Planned testing
- Pre-duty breathalyser tests, scheduled and surprise drug screenings, and targeted testing
- Initial donation
- Rs 1 lakh from Pratap Sarnaik for drug-testing equipment for MSRTC drivers and conductors
- Monitoring system
- An integrated digital portal will track tests, equipment calibration, training, referrals, and institutional compliance
Quotes
Pratap Sarnaik
Maharashtra Transport Minister and chairman of MSRTC
“Drivers who fail initial screenings will be immediately relieved of driving duties and replaced to protect passenger safety. Counselling, medical evaluation, treatment, and rehabilitation options will be provided to drivers struggling with addiction.”
thehansindia.com
“A drug-free driver is the foundation of a safe transport system, which ultimately leads to safe families, a safe society, and a stronger Maharashtra.”
thehansindia.com
Sources
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