Immediate suspension for drunk on-duty drivers, says Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik

Maharashtra Transport Minister and State Transport ST Corporation chairman Pratap Sarnaik on Sunday directed officials to immediately suspend drivers and other employees found consuming alcohol while on duty warning that no compromise would be tolerated on passenger safetyThe directive came during a surprise inspection of the Parel bus depot in Mumbai where the minister visited restrooms used by drivers and conductors Officials found empty liquor bottles at several locations while some staff members were allegedly under the influence of alcohol A visibly upset Sarnaik reprimanded senior officials present at the depot over the lapseldquoProviding proper facilities at restrooms for drivers and conductors posted away from their hometowns is a priority for the government However alcohol consumption at such places is not just a case of indiscipline but a serious offence that directly endangers passengersrsquo livesrdquo Sarnaik saidHe warned that employees reporting for duty under the influence of alcohol invite accidents and undermine the safety and credibility of ST services ldquoSuch irresponsible behaviour will not be tolerated and should lead to dismissal from service after due inquiryrdquo the minister saidSarnaik also held senior officials accountable stating that negligence by the STrsquos safety and vigilance departments encourages indiscipline among staff He ordered departmental inquiries against concerned safety and vigilance officers and directed strict action against those found responsibleThe minister further instructed that breath analyser tests be made mandatory for all employees reporting for duty particularly drivers Any employee found intoxicated during the test should be suspended immediately he saidHe also ordered the appointment of a separate departmental inquiry committee to investigate the irregularities detected during the inspection and submit a report for further actionDuring the visit Sarnaik reviewed sanitation facilities cleanliness and bus operations at the depot and directed officials to remain more vigilant about passenger safety and amenitiesOn Balasaheb Thackeray centenary MSRTC rolls out statewide pilgrimage schemeOn the occasion of the 100th birth anniversary of late Balasaheb Thackeray the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation MSRTC on Thursday launched a statewide religious tourism initiative titled the Hinduhridayasamrat Balasaheb Thackeray mdash ST Sange Tirtha Yatra scheme The initiative aims to make pilgrimage travel more accessible affordable and safe for ordinary citizens across MaharashtraLaunched under guidance of Deputy CM Eknath ShindeThe scheme was launched under the guidance of Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde with Transport Minister and MSRTC Chairman Pratap Sarnaik highlighting its peoplecentric approach Addressing the launch Sarnaik said the initiative reflects a harmonious blend of faith social justice convenience and public welfare while staying true to the legacy and ideology of Balasaheb ThackerayFocus on senior citizens women and weaker sectionsAccording to MSRTC officials the scheme is founded on the principle of ldquoaffordable and saferdquo travel Its core objective is to provide organised religious tourism experiences at rates that are within the reach of common travellers particularly senior citizens women and economically weaker sections All existing concessions offered by the state government to various social groups will continue under the new scheme