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The city of Mumbai is grappling with a concerning rise in fatal accidents involving BEST buses, particularly those operating under wet lease contracts. The latest incident, which occurred on Saturday night, resulted in the death of a 25-year-old scooterist, Dikshit Vinod Rajput. Rajput, a college peon, was tragically killed when his scooter was struck by a BEST bus in Govandi. This marks the third fatal accident involving a BEST bus in just six days, highlighting a serious issue of public safety and raising questions about the adequacy of current safety measures and driver training protocols.
The police report indicates that Rajput was not wearing a helmet at the time of the accident and was attempting to overtake the bus when he lost control. The bus driver, Vinod Rankhambe, has been arrested and charged under sections 106(1) (causing death by negligence) and 281 (rash or negligent driving) of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita. While CCTV footage was reviewed, the police stated that obstructions at the accident scene hampered a clear determination of fault. This lack of definitive evidence underscores the need for improved infrastructure and clearer accident investigation protocols. The incident raises questions about visibility at the accident location and the need for improved road safety measures in the area.
The alarming frequency of these accidents, three in a week, and the fact that all three involved wet-lease buses, points to a systemic issue. Data reveals a stark contrast between accidents involving BEST-owned buses and those operated under wet lease contracts. Since 2022, 45 deaths have been attributed to accidents involving wet lease buses, compared to 22 deaths involving BEST-owned buses. Simultaneously, the number of contractual buses has increased significantly from 1268 to 1890, while the number of BEST-owned buses has decreased from 1999 to 1021. This disparity highlights the disproportionate risk associated with wet lease buses, suggesting a need for stricter regulations and more stringent oversight of these contractors.
In response to the growing concerns, BEST has announced plans to implement new driver training programs. These programs will involve initial training by contractors followed by further training provided by BEST itself. However, this approach has been criticized by passenger rights activist Nikhil Desai, who argues that BEST should retain full control over driver training and not delegate this critical responsibility to contractors. He points to the inadequacy of the three-day training program for the driver involved in a previous Kurla crash, emphasizing that experience should be a primary factor in driver recruitment, especially for electric buses.
Desai further highlights the unique challenges posed by electric buses, specifically their swift acceleration. He advocates for regulated driving practices and a speed limit of 40 kmph for all BEST buses, a suggestion echoed by a senior BEST official who confirmed plans to implement such a speed restriction. Commuter rights activist Rupesh Shelatkar corroborates these concerns, noting a pattern of irresponsible driving over the past four years since the introduction of contractual buses. The recurring accidents underscore a need for comprehensive reforms, including stricter driver training, better enforcement of traffic regulations, improved infrastructure, and rigorous oversight of contractors.
The tragic death of Dikshit Vinod Rajput serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for improved road safety in Mumbai. Addressing the disproportionate number of accidents involving wet-lease buses requires a multi-faceted approach. This involves not only improving driver training but also enhancing road infrastructure, improving accident investigation protocols, and ensuring stricter accountability for contractors. The city must prioritize public safety and take proactive measures to prevent future tragedies. A thorough investigation into the root causes of these accidents, coupled with a commitment to systemic improvements, is crucial to ensure the safety of commuters and pedestrians alike. Failure to address these issues could result in more preventable deaths and a continued erosion of public trust in the city’s transportation system.
Source: 25-yr-old crushed under BEST bus, 3rd fatal mishap in 6 days