After bus video, PMPML launches mental health programme for staff

On October 21, Nilesh Dnyaneshwar Sawant, a driver employed by one of the contractors that operate buses for PMPML, was arrested after a video showing him recklessly reversing his PMPML bus on Senapati Bapat Road as the passenger shouted for help was widely shared on the internet.

Following the incident, questions were raised about the mental health issues among the PMPML drivers.

Many were reminded of the 2013 case of state transport driver Santosh Mane who had, in an alleged fit of rage, killed nine persons on Pune streets by recklessly driving the bus.

PMPML officials have now decided to provide psychological support to its staff and have announced plans to conduct regular mental workshops.
These workshops aim to provide anger and stress management classes, along with educating employees about the side effects of drug addiction.

The PMPML officials had earlier claimed that the authority conducts regular driving workshops and motivational camps aimed at improving interpersonal skills and enhancing the emotional well-being of drivers and conductors.

However, this marks the first time that PMPML is incorporating terms such as “mental health”, “mental well-being”, “stress management”, “aggression”, and “emotional balance” into its initiatives.

PMPML spokesperson Satish Gate mentioned that the session was dedicated to the mental well-being of drivers, conductors, and administrative staff.

The workshop is slated to extend to all city depots following the Diwali festival.

He said, “The session was focused on controlling aggression while working, managing family and social relationships, and maintaining a balance between home and work responsibilities.”

PMPML usually prioritizes training technical skills over addressing stress management and has shown less interest in psychological concerns of drivers and conductors.

Ashok Sable, the Assistant Deputy Manager of the Emergency Department at PMPML, mentioned that PMPML is consistently conducting workshops with the help of two experienced trainers to address the accidental cases.

He said that along with the technical training, PMPML will also focus on mental and emotional well being of the staff.

He said, “We have successfully completed training for 1,100 drivers across nine depots, starting from July 28 this year, and this training will continue for the next few months.”

According to official records, Katraj and Swargate depots each have 152 trained drivers, Natawadi has 151, Pimpri depot has 145, the upper depot has 133, Hadapsar has 130, Kothrud has 113, Bhosari depot has 80, and Shewalewadi has 44 trained drivers.

The PMPML workshop takes place in the training hall at the PMPML headquarter.

Each day, three drivers from every depot attend the training workshop.

The workshop schedule runs from 10 am to 6 pm. It begins with a lecture class from 10 to 11 am, followed by trainers guiding them on a practice drive until the evening.

Talking about the health issues, Gate said that each depot conducts physical check-ups twice a month, including measurements like blood pressure and sugar levels. Numerous hospitals also proactively approach PMPML, offering free health check-ups that encompass everything from oral health to eye and heart-related issues.

He said that in 2022, following the Covid-19 pandemic, they held an interactive workshop for roughly 6,000 drivers and conductors.

The workshop was conducted at the Annabhau Sathe Auditorium in Satara in partnership with the RTO and Traffic department