Alcohol Meters and Counseling Sessions For Drunk Kadamba Bus Drivers
KTCL is all set to introduce alcohol meters and counseling sessions for its drivers after Thursday’s incident involving a drunk Kadamba bus driver losing his license.
Following the recent viral incident involving a drunk Kadamba bus driver, the company has taken decisive steps to address alcohol-related issues among its staff.
Kadamba Transport Corporation Limited (KTCL) has decided to acquire alcohol meters to regularly check the blood alcohol content of its drivers and conductors.
Additionally, KTCL is taking a groundbreaking step to improve road safety by introducing fortnightly or monthly counseling sessions for its drivers and conductors. The sessions, lasting 30 minutes each, will be conducted by expert counselors at major bus stands in Panaji, Margao, Mapusa, and Vasco.
Alcohol Meters to Keep Check on Drunk Kadamba Bus Drivers
In response to the incident, KTCL has decided to procure alcohol meters to regularly measure the blood alcohol content of its bus drivers and conductors.
Four strategically placed alcohol meters will be introduced at major bus stands in Panaji, Margao, Mapusa, and Vasco. These devices will be used for random checks, and responding to complaints or suspicions of drunken driving by Kadamba bus drivers.
Counseling Sessions for Alcohol-Addicted Bus Drivers
Additionally, KTCL is pioneering a groundbreaking move to enhance road safety by implementing fortnightly or monthly counseling sessions for its drivers and conductors.
The decision was made during a board meeting chaired by Navelim MLA Ulhas Tuecar, emphasizing the company’s commitment to the well-being of its staff and the safety of passengers.
Expert counselors will conduct 30-minute sessions at each depot, fostering a supportive environment for positive change.
SL Ghate, the General Manager of KTCL, stated, “The alcohol meter will act as a deterrent, and we will also put expert counselors with such bus drivers for counseling. Such counseling sessions have proven to be very effective.”
Ghate highlighted the proactive approach of KTCL, identifying bus drivers with alcohol-related issues and sending them for rehabilitation within or outside the state. Rehabilitation includes psychological counseling sessions, resulting in positive changes in the lives of some drivers.
This decision follows the suspension and arrest of the drunk Kadamba bus driver, Elvis Rodrigues, for allegedly driving a crowded bus under the influence of alcohol.
Drunk Kadamba Bus Driver’s License Suspended
Elvis Rodrigues, a driver employed by the Kadamba Transport Corporation (KTC), has been suspended following his arrest for operating a bus allegedly while under the influence of alcohol with passengers on board.
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant stated on Friday that the license of anyone found driving a Kadamba bus under the influence would be suspended, confirming the suspension of Rodrigues’ license.
Rodrigues faces charges of endangering passengers’ lives due to reckless and negligent driving at 7:37 pm on Thursday near the Kadamba bypass road in Old Goa.
Derek Pereira Neto, the Managing Director of KTC, deemed Rodrigues’ actions a ‘criminal offense’ and announced his suspension, indicating a likelihood of dismissal.
