KSRTC Bus Accident Decline Following Alcohol Testing Initiative
Kerala KSRTC bus accidents decline by a staggering 28.5% following the recent alcohol testing initiative by Transport Minister K.B. Ganesh Kumar.
Thiruvananthapuram: Following the implementation of stringent measures by the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) to prevent employees from operating under the influence of alcohol, there has been a noticeable decline in KSRTC bus accidents.
According to the data, the number of accidents recorded in the two weeks preceding the implementation of breathalyzer tests was 33 and 35, respectively.
However, following the initiation of the tests, the number dropped to 25 in the subsequent week, marking a significant 28.5% decrease.
The accident data was gathered over a three-week period, spanning from March 31 to April 6, April 7 to 13, and April 14 to 20, encompassing both KSRTC and SWIFT operations.
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Impact of Alcohol Testing on Accident Rates
Recent data analysis indicates a significant decrease in KSRTC bus accidents after the introduction of mandatory breathalyzer tests for employees during duty hours.
- Pre-Testing Period: Prior to the implementation of breathalyzer tests, the number of accidents involving KSRTC buses ranged from 33 to 35 over a two-week period.
- Post-Testing Period: In the week following the initiation of alcohol testing, the number of accidents decreased to 25, marking a notable 28.5% reduction in KSRTC bus accidents. .
The positive impact of alcohol testing extended beyond KSRTC buses to SWIFT buses, with a similar decrease observed in accident rates.
Future Plans and Commitments
Over the last few weeks, Transport Minister K.B. Ganesh Kumar has implemented a strict alcohol testing policy for KSRTC employees.
In April, KSRTC has taken action against 136 employees found to be under the influence of alcohol while on duty.
Those who were found to have consumed alcohol before reporting for duty face a one-month suspension, while those caught consuming alcohol while on duty face a three-month suspension.
Permanent employees will be suspended, while temporary employees such as empanelled workers and KSRTC SWIFT staff are terminated from service.
Transport Minister K.B. Ganesh Kumar expressed satisfaction with the results and outlined plans for continued vigilance. KSRTC has taken disciplinary action against employees found to be under the influence of alcohol, ensuring a safer transportation environment for passengers.
