In a major step aimed at strengthening passenger safety and discipline within the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC), State Transport Minister and MSRTC Chairman Pratap Sarnaik has announced a strict “zero tolerance” policy against alcohol consumption by staff while on duty. The new directives mandate daily alcohol testing for drivers and conductors before they are allowed to take charge of buses.
The decision comes after a recent surprise inspection at a Mumbai bus depot revealed alarming lapses in discipline, prompting the government to introduce a series of stringent measures across MSRTC depots.
Surprise Inspection Exposes Serious Lapses
The crackdown follows a surprise visit conducted by Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik at the Parel bus depot in Mumbai on January 25. During the inspection, several liquor bottles were discovered in the rest rooms used by drivers and conductors. Officials also reportedly found some staff members in an inebriated condition while on duty.
Taking serious note of the incident, Sarnaik immediately ordered the formation of a special inquiry committee and directed strict action against those responsible for the lapse. The minister emphasised that such incidents not only violate service rules but also pose a direct threat to passenger safety.
He further instructed the MSRTC administration to introduce strict monitoring mechanisms to ensure that similar incidents do not recur in the future.
Inquiry Committee Fixes Responsibility
Following the inspection, the MSRTC administration constituted a three-member committee to conduct a detailed probe into the matter. The committee examined the circumstances leading to the incident and identified officials responsible for negligence.
The committee has submitted its report to Chairman Pratap Sarnaik, recommending disciplinary action against those found guilty and suggesting systemic reforms to improve monitoring within depots. Based on the report, the MSRTC administration has already initiated action against the concerned officials.
Authorities have also begun implementing the committee’s recommendations across all bus depots with immediate effect.
Daily Alcohol Tests Now Mandatory
Under the new measures, every driver reporting for duty at a depot will be required to undergo an alcohol test using an alco-test machine. Drivers will be permitted to operate buses only after the test results are recorded and verified.
Conductors will also undergo similar alcohol tests before being assigned duty, and the results will be documented as part of official records.
Vehicle examiners will conduct these checks at depots, while supervisory staff will ensure that procedures are followed strictly. Officials including Assistant Workshop Superintendents, Assistant Traffic Superintendents, Traffic Inspectors, Assistant Traffic Inspectors and Traffic Controllers have been instructed to ensure compliance with the directive.
Depot managers have also been tasked with maintaining strict supervision and ensuring that the alcohol testing procedures are implemented effectively.
Additional Monitoring During Routes
Apart from depot-level testing, drivers will also be required to record their movements in control room logbooks while operating on routes. After making entries in the logbook, drivers may again be subjected to alco-test checks before being permitted to continue their journey.
Station heads have been directed to ensure that such checks are conducted regularly.
In addition, periodic alcohol testing of drivers, conductors and other staff present at bus stations, depots and rest rooms will be carried out. Supervisory officers will verify the implementation of these measures during routine visits to depots and bus stations.
The vigilance department will also conduct surprise inspections from time to time through route inspection teams, traffic inspectors, training departments and the MSRTC security wing.
Awareness Campaign for Staff
Along with strict enforcement measures, the MSRTC administration will also focus on awareness initiatives among employees.
Training sessions will be organised to educate drivers, conductors and other staff members about the harmful effects of alcohol consumption. These sessions will be conducted with the assistance of social organisations.
A special “Alcohol Awareness Week” will also be organised at bus depots to sensitise employees about safety responsibilities.
Authorities will also focus on improving facilities at rest rooms and guest houses used by staff, including proper drinking water, lighting, fans and cleanliness, particularly at major bus stations where drivers and conductors frequently halt during long journeys.
Passenger Safety Remains Top Priority
Emphasising the importance of discipline in public transport services, Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik said the MSRTC administration has adopted a firm stance against alcohol consumption while on duty.
He expressed confidence that the newly introduced measures would significantly enhance passenger safety and improve operational discipline within the state-run bus service.
“The safety of passengers is our highest priority. With strict monitoring and awareness measures, we are determined to ensure that MSRTC services remain safe, reliable and responsible,” Sarnaik said.
