ITDR To Provide PMPML Bus Driver Training
The PMPML bus driver training program will include a workshop based on the “5-point plan” of traffic rules. This comprehensive training will help drivers understand key aspects of road safety, traffic regulations, and their duties and responsibilities.
Following the tragic Kurla bus accident in Mumbai that claimed nine lives, the Pune Mahanagar Parivahan Mahamandal Limited (PMPML) has decided to step up its efforts to ensure safer bus operations.
PMPML will soon begin training its bus drivers to improve the skills and safety knowledge of its drivers. The training is set to start in January 2025, and an MoU will be signed with the Institute of Driving Training and Research (IDTR) to train 2,000 PMPML bus drivers.
The PMPML bus driver training program will include a workshop based on the “5-point plan” of traffic rules. This comprehensive training will help drivers understand key aspects of road safety, traffic regulations, and their duties and responsibilities.
The goal is to create technically proficient drivers who are well-versed in ensuring both passenger and vehicle safety.
Training will be provided by experts from IDTR, along with senior officials from Tata Company and Yashwantravar Chavan Development Administration Prabodhini (Yashada). This collaboration will ensure that the bus drivers receive expert guidance on both driving techniques and handling modern vehicles.
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Key Areas of PMPML Bus Driver Training
The PMPML bus driver training program will cover several important areas, such as:
- Road Safety Policy
- Traffic Regulations
- Driver Duties and Responsibilities
- Passenger Safety
- Route Management
With Pune’s busy streets and narrow lanes, bus drivers must navigate through a variety of challenges daily.
From handling traffic lights and congestion to managing tight spaces, PMPML bus drivers deal with complex situations on the road. As a result, the new training will focus on improving driver awareness and skills in these high-pressure scenarios.
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Training Plan and Timeline
Currently, PMPML has a total of 4,928 bus drivers, including 2,682 in-house drivers and 2,246 contractor-based drivers.
The training will be carried out in batches of 50 drivers at a time, with each session lasting for two days. This means that the entire training program will be completed in approximately 2 to 2.5 months.
As part of the ongoing modernization, PMPML is phasing out old vehicles and introducing pollution-free electric and CNG-powered buses. These new buses come with advanced technologies, requiring drivers to be well-trained in their operations.
