After a Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) bus driver was caught using a mobile phone while driving on the Bengaluru-Mysuru highway, the corporation has directed the crew not to use mobile phones while driving.
After 60 CCTV cameras were installed on the Bengaluru-Mysuru access-controlled highway, a KSRTC driver was spotted using a mobile phone while driving near Shri Chamundeshwari Hospital in Channapatna on May 12. Police officials said the CCTV camera footage captured the driver using a mobile phone and violating lane regulations. The driver has been identified as an employee of the Hunsur depot, operating a bus from the Mysuru Rural division.
The KSRTC has launched an inquiry into the incident. Corporation officials stated that appropriate action would be taken following the investigation. Senior KSRTC officials clarified that mobile phones may only be used during emergencies and when the driver is not seated at the wheel.
“Since most of the buses are now operated by a single crew member who serves as both driver and conductor, we allow them to carry a mobile phone. This is necessary for contacting passengers with reserved seats and handling any emergency situation, such as a bus breakdown, when they need to reach the depot. Therefore, we permit them to have a mobile phone,” a official said.
“However, if a driver misuses this privilege and uses a mobile phone while driving, the corporation will not tolerate it. We will conduct an investigation, and appropriate action will be taken. We have already instructed our officials and all depots to ensure that our crew members do not use mobile phones while driving,” official added.
