DTC aims to relinquish 'killer buses' tag with decline in fatal mishaps

Delhi has seen a slight decrease in the number of fatal accidents involving Delhi Transport Corporation buses.

According to data, 39 accidents were reported in the first three months of the year in which 12 people were killed and 26 were injured. Last year, 186 accidents were reported, while the figure was 224 in 2013 and 225 in 2012.

The data reveals that 40 people were killed in 2014 and 63 each in 2013 and 2012. Those injured were 164 people in 2014, 168 in 2013 and 218 in 2012.

“The fact is that our fleet has increased substantially since 2010. The ratio of accidents to the fleet is low and it has come down further in the last two years. We have also taken measures for promoting discipline and safe driving among the DTC drivers,” said a DTC spokesperson.

Currently, there are around 4,700 DTC buses, of which, 924 standard-floor buses are all set to be scrapped as they have completed their age. Apart from that, 1,300 cluster buses, run by Delhi Integrated Multi-Model Transit System (DIMTS), are also plying in the capital.

The number of traffic violation challans by Delhi Traffic Police and impounding of DTC buses have also been continuously showing a decreasing trend. Traffic police impounded 44 buses in the first three months of this year, while 268 buses were impounded in 2014 and 522 in 2013.

“The measures taken for promoting discipline and safe driving among drivers has also led to fruitful results as the numbers of impounded buses have a decreasing trend,” he added.

Police said speeding and fatal accidents have drastically reduced by regular monitoring and taking punitive action against erring drivers. “We also organise courses for DTC drivers to educate and sensitise them towards road safety, traffic discipline and importance of observing traffic rules and regulations.,” a senior police officer said.

The DTC had also won the Lowest Accident Award for Road Safety given by Union Road Transport and Highways Ministry, and Association of State Road Transport Undertakings (ASRTU) in 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2013.

Focus now is also on the issues of GPS and GPRS based tracking system and CCTVs in DTC buses.

According to the Delhi government, installation of CCTVs will help check any attempt of violence against women or eve-teasing on buses.

“Government has decided to install CCTV cameras in 5,000 DTC and cluster buses. As per plan, three CCTV cameras will be installed in each bus to keep a close vigil on every passenger,” Delhi Transport Minister Gopal Rai had said earlier this month.