Roadways Karmchari Sanyukt Parishad has once again pointed out the need for more drivers, whether through outsourcing or through permanent appointments. According to them due to shortage of drivers, the existing drivers are doing extra shifts without taking proper rest in between. This could even lead to a major road accident in future as seen in cases of accidents caused by taxi drivers dozing off while driving in the past month.
Citing example of one of the drivers of roadways, general secretary of the council, Dinesh Pant said that according to Motor-Vehicle Act 1956, two employees should be sent on longer routes. However, this is not the case in the present scenario. One of the drivers in roadways, Parshuram was sent five times to Bageshwar from June 28th to July 6 by officials of the department.
He further said, “The Bageshwar route is nearly 387 kilometres from Dehradun and requires the driver to be alert at all times. Such routes are tiring and therefore need the driver to be rested and fit. If this continues it is not only dangerous for the driver but for the passengers also.”
It is pertinent to mention that General Manager (Administration and Personnel) Nidhi Yadav earlier stated that they will soon be recruiting drivers for the 300 new buses, for which tender procedure has been completed.