Thane, March 5 Maharashtra transport minister Pratap Sarnaik announced on Thursday that mandatory alcohol tests would be required for MSRTC drivers and conductors.
In an official statement, he said this was part of the "zero tolerance" policy towards alcohol consumption by employees of the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC).
"This decision has been taken to curb alcohol consumption during working hours and to ensure passenger safety. All drivers reporting for work at depots will be required to undergo breathalyser tests using alcohol test machines before being assigned duty. Depot officials have been instructed to maintain proper records of these tests and ensure that only those who pass the checks are allowed to operate buses," he said in the statement.
This decision followed a surprise inspection conducted by Sarnaik at the Parel bus stand in Mumbai on January 25, during which several liquor bottles were found in the rest rooms used by drivers and conductors. Some employees were also found to be intoxicated, the statement said.
Following this, a three-member committee appointed by the MSRTC administration conducted a detailed investigation and submitted its report to Sarnaik, the statement said.
"Under the new guidelines, vehicle examiners will conduct regular checks of drivers reporting for duty. Depot officials, including assistant workshop superintendents, assistant traffic superintendents, traffic inspectors, assistant traffic inspectors, and traffic controllers, have been instructed to monitor whether alcohol tests are conducted and recorded properly," it added.
The order also mandates periodic breathalyser tests for drivers, conductors, and other employees at bus stands and depot premises. In addition, guardian officers have been tasked with verifying the implementation of these measures during their visits to depots and bus stations.
"In addition, the vigilance department will conduct surprise inspections from time to time through road inspection teams, traffic inspectors, the training department, and the security department. MSRTC will organize awareness programs about the harmful effects of alcohol consumption. A dedicated 'Alcohol Awareness Week' will be held at depots to guide drivers, conductors, and other staff," the statement said.