Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar:
The administration has implemented strict measures to curb alcohol consumption by ST employees during duty. Under the new rules, drivers are being tested with an alcohol testing machine before going on duty and the results are being recorded. In addition, surprise alcohol tests are also being conducted at bus stations, depots and in the rest rooms of drivers and conductors.
Daily alcohol tests
At every depot, drivers going on duty are tested daily using an alcohol testing machine. If traces of alcohol are detected, the concerned employee is immediately barred from performing duty.
Mandatory record of tests
It has been made compulsory to maintain a record of each test at the depot level. Details of when and which employee was tested are being documented and preserved.
Surprise checks in rest rooms as well
Sudden alcohol tests will also be conducted in the rest rooms of drivers and conductors. This system is being implemented to ensure that alcohol is not consumed during duty hours or rest breaks.
Travel to become safer for passengers
Regular alcohol testing will help make ST travel safer for passengers. It will also reduce the fear and anxiety among commuters about drivers operating vehicles under the influence of alcohol.
One machine in each depot
Every driver is tested with a breath analyser before going on duty. For this purpose, each depot has been provided with one breath analyser. If a person is found in a suspicious condition, the conductor is also tested. There are nearly 3,000 drivers and conductors in the district.
— Santosh Ghane, divisional transport officer, Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation.