BMTC bus-related fatalities increase despite measures by authorities

Sowmya Raju | NT

Bengaluru: To enhance road safety, Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) introduced Advanced Driving Assistance Systems (ADAS) in its buses, aiming to minimise accidents and ensure the well-being of passengers and drivers.

However, recent events have raised concerns, shedding light on a significant increase in fatalities associated with BMTC buses in the past two months.

BMTC Managing Director IAS Sathyavathi G, in an exclusive statement to News Trail, expressed the corporation's commitment to driver well-being.

She highlighted the implementation of scheduled check-ups for drivers over 45, in collaboration with Jayadeva Hospital, to address health concerns arising from their demanding 8-hour shifts.

Additionally, regular health camps have been organised to benefit all drivers, and plans are underway to introduce zone-wise counsellors to foster a stress-free work environment.

Despite these efforts, the grim reality is that BMTC bus-related accidents have resulted in at least seven fatalities in the last two months alone.

This tragic trend is part of a broader concern, as data reveals a total of 71 documented deaths in accidents involving BMTC buses over the past two years.

One BMTC bus driver who wished to remain anonymous said, “I prioritise safety for passengers and road users. BMTC's efforts, including health check-ups, have been helpful, but it's disheartening that a few careless drivers tarnish our collective reputation, leading to fatal accidents.”

His conductor said, “Driving a bus in the city is challenging, navigating through constant traffic and demanding conditions. We uphold safety protocols, but incidents affect us all.”

In another incident, two fatal accidents on BMTC buses on October 29 claimed two lives.

The first tragedy involved a 45-yearold man fatally struck by a BMTC bus in Govindarajanagar. The second involved a 20-year-old garment factory worker struck near Bannerghatta Main Road.

Commuters allege that the recent surge in BMTC bus-related accidents is deeply concerning. When we read news stories about people being crushed under buses, and step out there is immediately a chill running down.

One commuter added, “Despite efforts by BMTC, the reality raises questions about the effectiveness of safety measures. As I navigate daily traffic, fear and anxiety loom, making riding near BMTC buses an unsettling experience.”

In a tragic incident near Silk Board Junction, a woman lost her life, and two others, including an 18-month-old baby, sustained injuries when a BMTC bus collided with their two-wheeler on the Madiwala Flyover.

The event occurred around 6:30 pm on December 13, while the family was en route to watch a Pro-Kabaddi match. The introduction of ADAS in BMTC buses was a significant step toward modernising public transportation and improving road safety.

These systems typically include features such as lane departure warnings, collision avoidance, and automatic emergency braking, designed to assist drivers in navigating traffic and avoiding potential hazards.

In light of the recent surge in fatalities, BMTC can conduct a thorough investigation into the root causes of these accidents.

This may involve assessing the functionality of the ADAS and exploring additional measures to enhance driver training and overall safety protocols.