BENGALURU: Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) has framed Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) which will apply to four major bus stands, 10 TTMCs and 38 small bus stands across its jurisdiction, to deal with the management of medical emergencies in bus stands.
The SOPs contain uniform quick response measures for persons in need without giving scope for any delay, reporting emergencies, etc. It also contains details of procedures for first-aid, and Dos and Don’ts during emergency situations.
This follows a suo motu case registered by Upa Lokayukta Justice KN Phaneendra on September 5, based on a media report dated September 2, narrating the lack of medical facilities available at Shivajinagar Bus Stand, which came to light when a commuter -- a senior citizen suffering from a seizure -- collapsed inside the bus stand.
In response to the notice by Justice Phaneendra seeking an explanation for the unavailability of medical or first-aid facilities in bus stands, the SOPs were framed to set up medical facilities in case of emergencies for commuters, public, drivers, conductors, officials, staff, contract employees, security personnel and others inside buses, on platforms, in waiting lounges on the BMTC bus stand premises.
The Upa Lokayukta stated that the Managing Director, BMTC, has taken swift action on directions issued in the suo motu complaint, and submitted a report on steps taken to give medical aid to the senior citizen at Shivajinagar Bus Stand.
A media report said the senior citizen, who collapsed on a bus due to a seizure, was not provided immediate medical care and could not even be shifted to the local hospital. It took the conductor and driver around 30 minutes to shift the senior citizen from the bus.The report also stated that there are no first aid facilities in any BMTC bus stand, except at Shanthinagar.
Noting that the report exposed failure on the part of BMTC authorities, which is a violation of the Right to Life under Article 21 of the Constitution, Justice Phaneedra initiated proceedings under Section 12(1) of the Karnataka Lokayukta Act, 1984, to address the maladministration on the part of BMTC officials, while also marking a copy of the proceedings to the Bengaluru Urban Development minister for necessary action.
BUS STOPS FOR CUBBON, TAVAREKERE METRO STATIONS
Bengaluru: The Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) has introduced new bus stops near the Cubbon Park and Tavarekere Metro stations in coordination with the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) to improve first- and last-mile connectivity for Metro commuters.
In a release, BMRCL said at Cubbon Park Metro station on the Purple Line, a bus stop has been provided near Entrance B, on the Chinnaswamy Stadium side, for buses coming from the New Indian Express side and heading towards Shantinagar via Anil Kumble Circle.
Another stop has been provided near Entrance C for buses coming from Anil Kumble Circle and heading towards Lok Bhavan. On the upcoming Pink Line, a bus stop has been set up at Tavarekere Metro station on Bannerghatta Road for buses travelling between Dairy Circle and Bannerghatta and between Jayadeva Hospital and Dairy Circle.
