BMTC buses.
Credit: DH File Photo
Bengaluru: The Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) has denied that one of its bus conductors assaulted a schoolboy.
A viral post on social media platform X showed the student startled by the conductor’s behaviour, where a man was heard asking the boy whether the conductor had kicked him.
According to the BMTC, the incident occurred on route number 401 AN/7 (Yelahanka to Nelamangala) on January 29.
"A sudden brake caused the schoolboy to lose balance and accidentally fall on the conductor's knee. No intentional act was involved," the BMTC said and promised a thorough inquiry.
According to Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy, nearly four million passengers travel on BMTC buses, including 1,60,000 students.
"A total of 6,500 buses operate daily, covering 60,000 trips across 5,830 schedules. Such incidents do not occur. A thorough investigation of this video has been ordered. If the bus conductor is found to have misbehaved with the student, appropriate disciplinary action will be taken immediately," he added.
New bus service from today
The BMTC will introduce a new bus service on Sunday, connecting KR Market to Hinnakki.
One bus will be deployed on the route 353 E, which will pass via Madiwala, Chandapura, and Ramakrishnapura.
Accident insurance scheme
The BMTC has launched an accident insurance scheme in partnership with Canara Bank.
On Saturday, Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy distributed cheques for Rs 50 lakh each to the nominees of employees who lost their lives in accidents while on duty, as well as cheques of Rs 10 lakh each under the group insurance scheme to the nominees of employees who died of natural causes.
Since February 19, 2024, the BMTC has paid the nominees of 46 deceased employees Rs 4.6 crore (Rs 10 lakh per nominee) under the group insurance scheme and Rs 2 crore to the nominees of four employees who died in accidents.