Transport Minister Shri Kailash Gahlot presided over a crucial meeting today to address the issue of non-stoppage of buses for women passengers at designated bus stops by the drivers. The meeting was attended by senior officers from the Transport Department, Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) and Delhi Integrated Multi-Modal Transit System Limited (DIMTS).
Expressing deep concern over the situation, Transport Minister Shri Kailash Gahlot directed immediate action against the errant drivers and emphasised the importance of implementing measures to prevent any recurrence of such incidents. “In last few years, we have been working tirelessly to transform the public transportation in Delhi focussing on making it more convenient and safer for all, especially women. Delhi government has always been at the forefront in empowering women which is not limited to the transport sector only. Delhi government has taken this incident very seriously and an immediate action was taken against the Driver, Conductor and the Marshall. All have been debarred from the cluster bus operations. Under the leadership of Chief Minister Shri Arvind kejriwal, Delhi government has taken many steps for the welfare of its people but Delhi government also has zero tolerance against the people for not performing their duties in the right manner. We have taken multiple measures to ensure no such incidents occur again.”
The following decisions were made during the meeting:
- Deployment of Traffic Teams: From tomorrow, more than 200 Traffic Teams, comprising 2-3 officials each, will be stationed at major terminals and bus stops to ensure the smooth operation of buses.
- Plain Clothes Teams: Additional teams in plain clothes will be stationed at terminals and busy bus queue shelters for a period of one week to monitor the situation closely.
- Sensitization of Drivers and Conductors: Depot Managers will conduct sessions to sensitize drivers and conductors regarding their responsibilities towards passengers, especially women commuters, during out-shedding.
- Refresher Course: The DTC will collaborate with a non-governmental organisation (NGO) to conduct a refresher course for drivers and conductors. The course will focus on sensitising them about various aspects, including stopping at designated bus stops and driving in designated bus lanes.
- Mobile Teams for Surveillance: The DTC and DIMTS will establish Mobile Teams consisting of 10 and 16 members, respectively, who will travel in buses to monitor the behaviour of drivers and conductors.
- Centralised Database: A centralised database of drivers will be created, enabling the recording of any act of misconduct. Recruitment of drivers will be contingent upon a thorough check of their records from this database.
- Prompt Action on Complaints: In case of any complaint against a driver, immediate action will be taken, including suspending the driver pending inquiry.
- Public Awareness Campaign: The Transport Department will issue an advertisement urging commuters to report incidents of misbehaviour or indiscipline by drivers or conductors through the ‘One-Delhi’ App. This message will also be displayed on LED displays within the buses.
Additionally, an order, previously issued on February 18, 2020, outlining fines for driver misconduct, will be reissued and individually served to all drivers by their respective Depot Managers. A radio jingle will also be broadcasted, encouraging commuters to come forward and file complaints regarding driver or conductor indiscipline.
With these initiatives, the Delhi government aims to ensure the safety and comfort of women passengers and improve the overall quality of public transportation in the city. The implementation of these measures is expected to bring about a positive change in the behavior and conduct of drivers and conductors.
