Fortyeight persons were killed in 44 accidents involving buses belonging to the fleet of the AP State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC) in the State last month.
Taking a serious note of the fatalities, the organisation’s Vice-Chairman and Managing Director N.V. Surendra Babu has, for the first time, directed the officials to organise a day-long sensitisation programme for drivers of the buses involved in these accidents.
Executive Director (Operations) G. Jairao has asked the Regional Managers to identify the drivers and make them attend the programme, scheduled for September 18 at RTC House here.
“Every month, there are around 30-35 accidents involving RTC buses, resulting in loss of life and property. This is the first time that a sensitisation session is planned as part of finding remedial measures,” said K.S. Brahmananda Reddy, Chief Traffic Manager (CTM).
Following a review of the circumstances that led to these mishaps, the authorities have come to the conclusion that the ‘erring’ drivers be given training on how to prevent such accidents. Mr. Rao said the training sessions would be a continuous process to make the drivers realise the significance of safe driving and save lives of people and property of the organisation.
Union demands
Meanwhile, leaders of the RTC Employees Union urged the management to regularise the services of contract conductors and drivers, enhance payment for double shifts and increase the retirement age from 58 years to 60 years.
Union leaders Y.V. Rao and P. Damodar Rao on Friday, made a representation to Mr. Surendra Babu, urging him to fulfil their demands.
They said the government had released a GO increasing the retirement age, but the management had declined it citing financial problems. They also wanted the authorities to address the long-standing problems of the clerical staff in the organisation.
Mr. Rao said as part of the promises made to the staff and workers before the recent union elections, they had put forth their demands before the officials urging them to take a stand at the next board meeting.
