2 months ago
BEST Chairperson Calls for Accountability After Bus Crashes
There have been more bus accidents in Mumbai recently, especially with buses run by private companies for the BEST Undertaking.
The chairperson of BEST, Trushna Vishwasrao, says that private companies must be held responsible for these accidents.
BEST is taking steps to make buses safer, like checking buses more carefully and training drivers better.
They are also planning to have more of their own buses instead of using private ones.
The goal is to make bus travel safer for everyone.
BEST has taken immediate action after recent fatal bus crashes, including stricter inspections and driver training.
Contractors are held accountable for operational failures, with penalties imposed on Mateshwari for the Mankhurd accident.
BEST plans to expand its self-owned fleet, starting with 5,000 AC electric buses.
Transparency measures are being discussed to restore commuter confidence.
BEST has refused requests to resume overtime duties to prioritize passenger safety.
- Who
- BEST Committee Chairperson Trushna Vishwasrao, private contractors, commuters
- What
- Increased bus accidents, accountability for safety, plans to expand self-owned fleet
- Where
- Mumbai, India
- When
- Recent months, with immediate actions following the Mankhurd crash
- Why
- To improve passenger safety and reduce reliance on wet-leased buses
BEST Undertaking
Private Contractors
Accountability for Accidents
BEST Undertaking
BEST is taking immediate action to improve safety, including stricter inspections and driver training, but emphasizes that contractors are ultimately responsible for operational failures.
Private Contractors
Contractors argue that they follow BEST's directives but face challenges in maintaining safety standards due to resource constraints.
Overtime Duties
BEST Undertaking
BEST has refused requests to resume overtime duties, prioritizing passenger safety over extra earnings for drivers.
Private Contractors
Contractors may face pressure to assign overtime to meet service demands, potentially compromising safety.
Key facts
- Recent Fatal Accidents
- Mankhurd and Dadar
- BEST's Immediate Actions
- Urgent meeting with contractors, technical committee for oversight, penalties for Mateshwari
- Accountability
- Contractors responsible for operational failures
- BEST's Future Plans
- Expanding self-owned fleet, procuring 5,000 AC electric buses
- Transparency Measures
- Public awareness campaigns on safety protocols
Quotes
Trushna Vishwasrao
BEST Committee Chairperson
“We have imposed a Rs 50,000 penalty and issued the operator a notice over the Mankhurd accident. More importantly, BEST has decided not to procure any new buses from Mateshwari. A contract for 150 new CNG buses awarded to the company stands revoked, and this decision will be formally announced on Friday.”
indianexpress.com



