Goemkarponn desk
PANAJI: In view of recent incident of drink and drive, Kadamba Transport Corporation (KTC) has said that it will deploy algometers at all major bus stands in the state.
“KTC to deploy alcometers at all major bus stands in the state to stop drunken driving on its buses. “The drivers of buses will be checked for alcohol using these alcometers, if any passenger or bus stand controller finds any bus driver drunk”, says KTC MD Sanjay Ghate.
The drunken driving by KTC bus driver came to fore after one driver of Panaji-Valpoi bus was found driving under the influence of alcohol. He was later suspended by KTC.
The decision was taken during a board meeting chaired by Navelim MLA Ulhas Tuecar on Monday, signaling a commitment to the well-being of KTCL staff and the safety of passengers.
Expert counsellors will be enlisted to conduct 30-minute sessions at each depot, fostering a supportive environment for positive change.
The timing of this initiative is critical for KTCL, as it has faced 201 accidents in the last five years (2018-2023), resulting in ten fatalities.
Nonetheless, recent data from KTC authorities reveals a significant reduction in accidents, with 21 reported in 2020-2021 and 28 in 2021-2022—the lowest figures recorded in the past five years.
However, it is noteworthy that in 2022-23, the number experienced a slight increase, reaching 38.
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