Stay updated with the latest - Click here to follow us on Instagram
© The Indian Express Pvt Ltd
Tags:
Journalism of Courage
In the past five years, 834 accidents involving BEST buses have claimed 88 lives and resulted in monetary compensation of Rs 42.40 crore to victims and their families, the BEST administration said in response to an RTI query filed by activist Anil Galgali.
The data indicates that these accidents involved both BEST-operated and private contractor buses.
Of the total 834 accidents, BEST buses were involved in 352 cases, leading to 51 fatalities. Private contractors accounted for 482 accidents, resulting in 37 deaths. The years 2022-23 and 2023-24 saw the highest fatalities, with 21 deaths recorded in each period.
Over five years, the administration paid Rs 42.40 crore as financial compensation in 494 cases involving deaths and injuries. The highest compensation of Rs 12.40 crore was paid in 107 cases in 2022-23. Compensation figures for other years include Rs 9.55 crore in 2019-20, Rs 3.44 crore in 2020-21, Rs 9.45 crore in 2021-22 and Rs 7.54 crore in 2023-24.
Disciplinary actions were also taken against employees involved in accidents. Twelve employees were dismissed in cases of fatal accidents, and two were dismissed for incidents causing personal injuries. Additionally, 24 employees were suspended in personal injury cases.
Other measures also included issuing warnings, seeking recoveries, and reducing roles within the dual category system.
Galgali, who sought this information, highlighted the need for stricter safety measures and better operational oversight. “These statistics reveal the urgent need for the BEST administration and employees to prioritise safety to prevent such incidents in the future,” Galgali said.
Stay updated with the latest - Click here to follow us on Instagram
