Now Reading: KSRTC ignored own June order on permanent drivers, crash shows
-
01
KSRTC ignored own June order on permanent drivers, crash shows
KSRTC flouted its own June 23 directive mandating permanent, experienced drivers for long-distance buses, a lapse exposed by a fatal crash near Bidadi on Saturday. The Kozhikode-Bengaluru Super Deluxe bus, driven by…
The Story in Brief
KSRTC flouted its own June 23 directive mandating permanent, experienced drivers for long-distance buses, a lapse exposed by a fatal crash near Bidadi on Saturday. The Kozhikode-Bengaluru Super Deluxe bus, driven by temporary employee Mithilesh, 35, rammed a highway signboard, killing him and conductor Arun NM on the spot.
The June order covered all services from Super Fast upwards, but Mithilesh had joined KSRTC only five months ago, though he had 11 years of private bus experience. Friends said Mithilesh returned from a Mysuru trip Friday morning and was assigned the overnight Bengaluru run without rest. The bus also lacked a driver-cum-conductor, leaving him alone for 8-9 hours. Kerala transport minister CP John called it human error and ordered an internal inquiry.
The Indian Opinion
The crash exposes two lazy narratives: one that blames only a temporary driver, and another that blames unions alone. KSRTC has hired no permanent drivers in a decade and relies on 5,000 temporaries. Minister CP John calls it human error, yet the June circular was clear. The real test is whether the inquiry publishes how many long-distance buses still flout the seniority rule, and who in management let the circular gather dust.
Sources (2): english.mathrubhumi.com, timesofindia.indiatimes.com
This story was synthesised by AI from the 2 sources linked above.
Updated: this story now draws on 2 sources.
