KOCHI: The brazen disregard for rules continues unabated. Rash and reckless driving by private buses remain a threat to commuters in the city. In the latest incident, two buses involved in street racing and jostling for passengers on the busy NH 544 stretch – between HMT to Cusat Junction – hit several vehicles and put the lives of many fellow road users at risk around noon on Friday.
“The private buses – Nandanam and Najirani – were riding in a rash and negligent manner through the city roads. The issue over allotted time slots started in Kalamassery. Following public complaints, we rushed to the spot and initiated action. We seized the two vehicles that ply the Aluva-Fort Kochi route,” said the SHO of Kalamassery police station, where a case has been registered.
Though six crew members were arrested, they were charged with minor offences under IPC 186 Sections 279, 188, 283, 160, and 34. Fahad, 25, of Chowara; Rahul, 25, of Udyogamandal; Sanal P, 31, of Varappuzha; Sinson John, 20, of Varapuzha; Sanal, 20, of Varapuzha; and Shaiju, 26, of Aluva, were detained and later released on station bail.
Disregard for HC directive?
Such incidents fly in the face of the recent Kerala High Court directive to the regional transport authority to tame dangerous driving on city roads. The court had asked officials to ensure that buses and autorickshaws ply on the extreme left of roads to ensure the safety of other commuters. But, enforcement agencies seem to be failing miserably in implementing the order. “The drive by the motor vehicles department and police against private buses is a mere eyewash. The situation on the roads would be different if they carried out their duty. Bus crew seem least concerned about pedestrians and other vehicles on the road. The licences of drivers and crew members involved in such criminal activities should be suspended for life,” said N Prathapan, an activist who has filed more than five complaints against private buses this year alone. A few weeks back, the employees of two private buses created a ruckus near Aluva Market, again citing time slots. A rear-view mirror of one of the buses was smashed in the melee that ensued.
Onus on law enforcement?
However, K B Suneer, joint secretary of the Kerala Private Bus Operators’ Federation, placed the blame on law-enforcement agencies. “The association is not answerable for isolated cases. It is the sole responsibility of the police and the MVD to maintain law and order. Trade unions should come forward to provide awareness to avoid rash and negligent driving,” Suneer told TNIE.
When asked about incidents involving private buses, S Sasidharan, deputy commissioner of police (L&O and traffic), said stringent measures will be adopted in the coming days. “We are going to conduct frequent drives against private buses in the city. If anyone fails to follow rules, a proposal would be submitted to the regional transport authority to cancel the concerned vehicle’s permit,” he added.
VICTIMS OF NEGLIGENCE
Kochi has seen many falling victim to dangerous driving by private buses in just the last one year.
Anvin Binu, 21, died after a private bus hit the scooter he was riding at Choorakkad
A 54-year-old woman was killed after a private bus rear-ended the scooter she was riding pillion near Edappally. Beena Varghese was travelling with her husband.
Varghese, 61, of Edakochi, died after he was hit by a private bus at Thoppumpady. The bus, which operated on the Kakkanad-Fort Kochi route, knocked down the man who was standing in front of a shop