The State Transport Department has initiated a mandate for an advanced safety system in buses across Maharashtra to curb accidents related to drunk-driving.
Responding to a calling attention motion by NCP's Dhananjay Munde about the accidents involving private sleeper-coach buses, transport minister Pratap Sarnaik said his department has already initiated several corrective steps.
Maharashtra government is planning to install breath analyser testing system into the driver's seat. As soon as the driver sits down, the system conducts a breath analysis; if the driver is found to have consumed alcohol, the bus engine will fail to ignite.
The cost of one system is about INR 1.5 lakh.
It has been decided to make this system mandatory in the new buses inducted in the MSRTC fleet purchased from Tata and Ashok Leyland companies.
Speed limit and road safety master plan
To control the increasing speed of buses, orders have been given to the authorities to install speedometers with a limit of 80 kmph in all buses.
Complaints have been received that some private buses are running at a speed of 120 to 140 kmph, and action will be taken against such vehicles.
Apart from this, a comprehensive road safety plan which includes the installation of reflectors, arrow markings, U-turn indicators, straight lane signage and distance markers will be implemented.
Boards indicating distances of 100, 200, 300 and 500 meters will be installed on all main roads and municipal areas.
According to the minister, this safety framework will be implemented across National Highways, Public Works Department (PWD) roads, ST Corporation routes, and municipal corporation limits.
He added that the plan is in its final stages and will receive official approval shortly.