Private operators report 30-40 drunk drivers every month, industry insiders say

Bengaluru: Passengers and operators warn of increasing drunk driving on night and interstate bus routes.

A viral video shows a drunk bus driver refusing to stop, despite repeated passenger requests. On the Kozhikode-Bengaluru route, the conductor was found passed out next to the driver.

Similar incidents have been reported on the Tamil Nadu-Bengaluru and Bengaluru-Mangaluru routes, with some cases involving both drivers found with alcohol on board.

Most major operators confirm catching drunk drivers in similar situations monthly.

Most large companies use breathalysers before departure and at stops, but smaller operators do not. Drivers often obtain alcohol mid-journey, with some testing at over twice the legal limit.

A shortage of younger drivers worsens the problem. "Most drivers are older and habitual drinkers, but we cannot replace them as few new drivers join the sector," a manager said.

New WhatsApp group

To curb habitual offenders, bus operators have formed a WhatsApp group to share details and photos of errant drivers, said Radhakrishna Holla, president, Karnataka State Travel Operators' Association.

"The government must crack down on such drivers. The Rs 10,000 fine usually burdens operators, while drivers go unpunished. Licences must be terminated," he said.

MP Omkareshwari, Additional Commissioner of Transport (Enforcement South), said her department had not received complaints or handled cases of drunk driving.

Special drive targets bus drivers

The Bengaluru Traffic Police (BTP) held a special drive for long-distance bus drivers on November 28, from 8 pm to 11.30 pm.

Of 2,583 private buses checked, 16 drivers were booked for drunk driving. Cases were filed and licences sent for suspension.

The timing targeted the surge of weekend outbound buses, said Karthik Reddy, Joint Commissioner of Police (Traffic).

A similar drive in West Bengaluru last week found five drunk drivers among 1,035 buses checked.