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The tragic bus accident in Kurla, Mumbai, which claimed seven lives and injured 42 others, has been attributed primarily to human error and a lack of adequate driver training, according to officials from the Mumbai Regional Transport Office (RTO). The incident, which occurred on Monday evening, involved a BEST (Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport) electric bus that veered out of control on S.G. Barve Marg, colliding with numerous vehicles and pedestrians. Initial speculation centered on brake failure, a common concern with large vehicles. However, a thorough inspection conducted by the Wadala RTO, led by motor vehicle inspector Bharat Jadhav, concluded that the brakes of the Olectra-made electric bus were in perfect working order. This finding significantly shifted the focus of the investigation towards the driver's actions and training.
The driver, 54-year-old Sanjay More, was subsequently arrested. The RTO investigation revealed inconsistencies regarding the extent of his training. BEST General Manager Anil Diggikar stated that More received only three days of induction training, while More's son claimed the training lasted 9-10 days. These discrepancies highlight a critical gap in the training process for drivers operating these sophisticated electric buses. The RTO's investigation underscores the importance of comprehensive driver training, particularly concerning the unique challenges posed by automatic transmission systems in large electric vehicles. Unlike traditional manual buses, these automatic buses require a different skill set to manage acceleration and braking effectively, and a lack of experience can easily lead to accidents.
The RTO investigation emphasized the critical difference between operating manual and automatic transmission buses. A retired RTO official pointed out the absence of air-assisted braking systems in automatic buses, further highlighting the need for specialized training. The official stressed that the lack of adequate training likely contributed to the driver’s misjudgment, leading to the devastating consequences. The 12-meter-long electric bus, only three months old and operated by a Pune-based third-party agency, added another layer of complexity to the situation. The bus’s CCTV footage, which captured the events leading up to the crash, revealed the accident unfolded rapidly, within 52-55 seconds. This footage suggests that the driver may have panicked after the initial collision, potentially exacerbating the situation by accelerating instead of braking effectively.
The accident raises serious questions about the adequacy of training procedures and safety protocols within the BEST system and among third-party operators. The fact that the bus had been in operation for only three months further raises concerns about the effectiveness of the initial inspection and driver orientation. The lengthy distance the bus traveled (400-450 meters) after the initial impact underscores the severity of the driver's loss of control and the lack of effective emergency response. The investigation is ongoing, and officials are awaiting a report from Olectra engineers. The findings will be submitted to the Mumbai police to assist in the ongoing criminal investigation. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the critical need for robust driver training programs, stringent safety regulations, and regular vehicle maintenance to prevent similar tragedies in the future. The implications extend beyond the immediate tragedy, impacting public trust in public transportation and demanding comprehensive reforms within the system.
The Maharashtra Transport Commissioner, Vivek Bhimanwar, confirmed that the RTO adhered to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) during the inspection. However, the inconsistencies surrounding the driver's training highlight potential shortcomings within BEST's training protocols. The investigation also points towards a broader issue regarding the integration of new technologies, like electric bus systems, into existing public transport infrastructure. Proper training, regular safety audits, and rigorous checks on third-party operators are crucial to ensure passenger safety and prevent similar incidents. The detailed analysis of the CCTV footage will play a pivotal role in reconstructing the events leading up to the accident and determining the exact sequence of events that culminated in such a catastrophic loss of life. The outcome of the ongoing investigation will likely influence future policies and regulations regarding public transportation safety and driver training practices across India.