MTC claims dip in accidents

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The city transport provider MTC has been in the news for hogging the limelight over the past few months for the wrong reasons in the aftermath of the Gemini flyover mishap and several other fatal accidents that followed.

However, the authorities claim that the number of accidents have come down by more than 40 per cent this year, compared to the same period of last year.

“There is a general perception that MTC has been involved in more accidents of late, particularly after the infamous Gemini flyover incident that had attracted attention from several sections, especially the media, towards MTC,” sources in the corporation told Deccan Chronicle.

“Since then they had been keeping continuous vigil over the accidents involving MTC buses, which makes it appear as if MTC buses have become killer vehicles,” said the sources.

MTC buses have been involved in 63 fatal accidents till July this year, whereas 76 persons lost their lives during the same period last year.

“It is a concern that 63 people have lost their lives but it is better than the previous year as less lives have been lost,” they pointed out.

Major accidents such as the Gemini flyover incident had come down to 10 this year, compared to 18 in 2011.

The total number of accidents has decreased by more than 40 per cent from last year’s 264 to 146.

“This has only been possible because of the counselling imparted to our drivers,” said an official, admitting that the behaviour of a few drivers on roads has been unacceptable as they tend to jump signals or scare two-wheeler riders plying in front of them.

Driver of gemini flyover mishap awaits justice

In a sudden turn of events, the suspension order of the MTC bus driver, Prasad, who was involved in the Gemini flyover mishap, has been revoked and the driver recalled for duty a week ago.

However, the driver has not yet been able to take the wheels again as traffic police authorities investigating the case have refused to return his driving licence, despite the insistence of MTC authorities who had earlier faulted him for “negligence”.

“The suspension order of the driver has been revoked and the driver has been asked to return to duty a few days ago, but he has not been allowed to drive the bus,” sources in the corporation told DC.
However, the driver may not get back his licence for at least a month.

“The MTC authorities have been insisting that his licence be returned but we will not give it back till the chargesheet, which is being prepared, is filed before the magistrate, as he might ask for it during the proceedings,” said Nandakumar, Pondy Bazaar traffic station inspector (investigation), who is investigating the case. MTC officials refused to comment on this.

The MTC bus on route no M17 had on June 27, 2012, crashed through the parapet of the Gemini flyover and toppled injuring 43 persons.

The driver claimed that the accident had taken place because his “faulty” seat gave away suddenly, while the police had registered a case against him for careless driving, citing the RTO’s report.