DTC in race for killerline tag?

Sunday, January 27, 2011

In absence of the 'killer' Blueline buses, it seems the drivers of DTC buses have taken upon themselves to trample human lives under their wheels. Sample this: Till February 15 this year, as many as 11 people have lost their lives under the wheels of DTC buses. Last year, five people were crushed to death by the DTC buses during the same period.

Within this period 1,062 violations by DTC have been registered by traffic department compared to 274 last year.

The situation has gone so out of control that the Delhi traffic police had to initiate a special drive specifically against the DTC buses in the city.

Interestingly, the Delhi Transport Corporation has also sought the help of traffic police to curb road accidents by the DTC drivers that in turn has been tarnishing the image of DTC buses.

"The situation has already gone out of control within the first two months of the year.

If we do not start prosecuting the DTC buses, the death toll will increase heavily," a senior officer of Delhi traffic police said.

The Delhi Police have started prosecuting DTC buses for all kinds of violations, including dangerous driving, red light jumping, driving without wearing uniform or seat belt, overtaking, tempering speed governors among others. The Supreme Court has imposed a restriction on heavy vehicles overtaking any other moving  vehicle and picking up the passengers from other than bus stops.

"Initiating an organised drive on February 13, we have already prosecuted more than 500 DTC drivers for around 1,000 cases of traffic norm violations. Many buses were found with tempered speed governors. We also took up the matter with the DTC and the senior officials of the corporation have welcomed the move against the erring drivers," said Satyendra Garg, joint commissioner of police (traffic). Nearly, 200 buses have been impounded for violating the Supreme Court order.

"Managing the DTC buses have become a tough challenge after the Blueline buses were phased out. Most of the accidents take place as the DTC buses are run by inexperienced drivers," said a senior traffic police official.

Original news source http://www.hindustantimes.com/DTC-in-race-for-killerline-tag/Article1-667327.aspx