Delhi Transport Minister Kailash Gahlot on Wednesday said double shifts by bus drivers will be prevented at any cost by implementing Aadhar-Based duty allocation and Biometric Monitoring and breathalyser tests for deterring drunken driving will be taken to avoid bus accidents.
Addressing a press conference, Gahlot said that in the last few days, there have been some bus accidents, including fatal ones, and he has taken serious note of them and meetings were held on bus safety measures. “Some drivers are doing multiple duties that lead to fatigue. All drivers of the Delhi government buses will have an Aadhaar-based duty chart. A database is being created. Double shifts by drivers will be prevented at any cost,” he added.
The AAP leader said that to address the recent incidents that have raised concerns that some drivers may be performing multiple duties in a day, it was discussed and decided that Aadhar card-based duty allocation will be implemented to ensure no driver is assigned double duty. “A biometric face recognition system will also be installed in all depots to monitor drivers performing multiple shifts,” Gahlot said.
He added that periodic training of drivers on simulators is another key measure. “The procurement of two simulators is in progress by Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC), with the financial bid already finalized. Training sessions are currently being conducted at the Nand Nagri Depot,” he added.
Further, a common pool of DTC drivers will be created, allowing concessionaires to appoint drivers as needed. “This pool will be linked with Aadhaar numbers to monitor driver activity across DTC and DIMTS. This measure will ensure that drivers blacklisted by one department or operator are not hired by another,” Gahlot stated, adding that to prevent drunk and driving, breathalyzer tests will be implemented at each depot and drivers will be required to undergo these tests before commencing their duties which will be done at Delhi government hospitals only.