The Delhi government is taking significant steps to enhance the safety and security of its bus commuters through comprehensive staff training programs and уси CCTV monitoring. These initiatives aim to address rising concerns about road safety, driver behavior, and overall commuter experience on Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) buses.
In response to increased complaints regarding rash driving, missed bus stops, and misconduct by DTC staff, the Delhi government has announced a mandatory training program for all bus drivers and conductors. Transport Minister Dr. Pankaj Kumar Singh emphasized the importance of improving road safety and restoring public trust in the city's bus system. The training will focus on several key areas, including road safety regulations, safe driving practices, ethical conduct, and passenger interaction. The goal is to create a safer and more pleasant travel experience for all passengers.
The training program will include both theoretical knowledge and practical exercises to ensure that drivers and conductors fully understand and implement proper conduct and safe driving techniques. The DTC is also planning regular counseling sessions as part of the awareness drive. The core objective of the training is to educate drivers on maintaining a safe distance from other vehicles, especially near schools, hospitals, and crowded markets. Drivers will also receive strict instructions to avoid driving under the influence of alcohol.
To ensure accountability and monitor the behavior of drivers and conductors, the Delhi government will leverage the CCTV cameras installed in DTC buses. These cameras will provide real-time surveillance, allowing authorities to identify and address any instances of misconduct, unsafe driving, or violations of traffic rules. Transport Minister Singh has directed that strict departmental action be taken against drivers found violating traffic or operational norms. This includes failing to stop at designated bus stops, overspeeding, driving rashly, not staying within designated lanes, operating buses with open doors, jumping red lights, or violating zebra crossings. Commuters can also lodge complaints through the transport department's helpline.
The Delhi government has been working to equip its buses with modern safety features for several years. As of 2022, a significant portion of the DTC fleet was already equipped with panic buttons and CCTV cameras. The government has also been working to install high-resolution CCTV cameras at all bus queue shelters across the city.
These efforts align with broader initiatives to create a safer and more secure public transportation system in Delhi. The government plans to equip buses with features such as CCTV cameras, panic buttons, an Automatic Vehicle Location Tracking System (AVLTS), and handheld Electronic Ticketing Machines (ETMs).
In addition to staff training and CCTV monitoring, the Delhi government is implementing other measures to enhance bus safety. These include Aadhar-based duty allocation for drivers to prevent them from being assigned double shifts, the installation of biometric face recognition systems at depots to monitor driver activity, and mandatory breathalyzer tests to prevent drunk driving. Regular medical check-ups for drivers will also be mandatory. The government is also establishing a common pool of DTC drivers, linked with Aadhaar numbers, to monitor driver activity across DTC and Delhi Integrated Multi-Modal Transit System Limited (DIMTS).
The Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) has also developed an online e-learning portal for training and refresher courses for its employees. This portal aims to improve the quality, efficiency, and effectiveness of its staff without requiring physical attendance. The e-learning courses cover various topics, including the duties of operational staff, do's and don'ts, training literature, and exam questionnaires for drivers, conductors, and enforcement staff.