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The tragic accident involving a BEST electric bus in Kurla, Mumbai, has sent shockwaves through the city and raised serious questions about public transport safety. On Monday night, around 9:30 PM, a BEST bus, operating on a wet-lease basis from Olectra, plowed into a crowd, resulting in seven fatalities and 42 injuries. The bus, driven by 54-year-old Sanjay More, was traveling at a speed of 46 kmph at the time of impact, a significant deviation from its typical speed throughout the day, which did not exceed 32 kmph according to BEST's Vehicle Location Tracking Device (VLTD) data. This incident underscores a critical failure in safety protocols and highlights the need for stricter enforcement and a comprehensive review of existing regulations.
The investigation into the accident is already underway. Driver Sanjay More is currently in police custody, facing charges of reckless driving. BEST, the Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport undertaking, has formed a five-member committee to thoroughly investigate the circumstances leading to the accident. This committee will likely examine various factors, including driver negligence, bus maintenance, and the effectiveness of the VLTD system. The speed locking mechanism on the bus itself, set at 80 kmph, is also under scrutiny, with BEST noting that similar buses from the same manufacturer have speed limits varying from 50 to 60 kmph. This inconsistency points to a potential need for standardized speed governors across all wet-leased buses.
The accident has prompted BEST to reassess its safety measures and operating procedures. The initial findings indicate that the driver had maintained a safe speed throughout the day, prior to the accident. However, this does not diminish the severity of the incident or the need for improved safety protocols. BEST’s current system flags drivers as 'high-speed' above 40 kmph and 'dangerous drivers' above 50 kmph, initiating counselling sessions. Yet, this system appears to have failed to prevent this devastating accident. BEST is now working towards a uniform speed limit for all its wet-leased buses, consulting with the five operators responsible for providing both buses and drivers. This initiative suggests a proactive response to improve safety, though the long-term effectiveness remains to be seen.
The Kurla bus accident serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities within public transport systems. The reliance on wet-leased buses and drivers raises concerns about oversight and accountability. The investigation must not only determine the immediate causes of the accident but also address the systemic issues that might have contributed to it. A thorough review of speed limits, driver training, vehicle maintenance, and the effectiveness of safety monitoring systems is crucial. Beyond this, the incident highlights a broader discussion on urban road safety, pedestrian safety, and the need for comprehensive infrastructure improvements to protect vulnerable road users. The incident demands a multi-faceted approach, involving not only BEST but also the city's traffic authorities and policymakers, to prevent similar tragedies from happening in the future. The city and its citizens await the comprehensive report from the investigation committee and the implementation of concrete safety improvements.
Source: BEST bus was driving at 46 kmph when it ploughed into crowd