Sharp rise in accidents involving DTC buses in 5 years: Data

The data also pointed to the fact that the accidents were witnessed despite the Delhi government’s attempts to curb accidents and bring disciplined driving by bus drivers.

The data was shared in reply to queries by BJP MLA Vijender Gupta in the two-day winter Assembly session.

According to the transport department, the cluster buses and DTC buses together resulted in 121 accidents and claimed 56 lives in 2021-22. However, the number of accidents rose to 175 in 2022, and 67 people died in these accidents.

When the Covid restrictions were completely lifted, accidents involving DTC buses increased from 84 in 2021 to 120 in 2022. Accordingly, cluster buses contributed to 37 and 55 accidents in 2021 and 2022 respectively.

The data shows that over all 710 accidents were reported between 2019 to till December 4, 2023. Of these, 199 were killed in the accidents by the DTC and orange and dark blue cluster buses.

In the 2023-24 financial year till December 4, there have been 142 accidents and 37 deaths.

Regarding the measures taken to bring down the accident rate, an officer said, “The DTC is taking several measures to educate the drivers on safe driving methods, and avoid rash driving. Last year the transport department launched a bus lane enforcement drive to bring discipline among bus drivers as well as to curb accidents and traffic jams on roads”.

The transport department stated that it has deployed 100 teams across the city to ensure the ‘Bus Lane Enforcement Drive’ is followed by drivers of DTC and cluster buses as well by other vehicles.

“We have issued challans and taken strict action against drivers for rash driving, speeding and being involved in accidents. Apart from this, the drivers will be provided refresher courses for safe driving and maintaining safety of pedestrians and public,” said an official.

According to the data, 5,490 drivers have been issued challans for flouting traffic rules. Besides, 2,28,237 other vehicles were also fined for violating the bus lane enforcement.

Under the ‘bus lane enforcement drive’, buses have been directed to ply on the left side of the road.

Further, the transport department provides refresher courses to drivers involved in accidents at the Institute of Driving and Traffic Research (IDTC).

“The traffic police also conduct counselling sessions for drivers. Further, under the bus lane drive rules, any driver who is found violating the rule more than three times is fined Rs 10,000 and cancellation of licence,” said an officer.