Three private bus drivers booked on charge of drunk driving

Three private bus drivers in the city were booked on the charge of driving under the influence of alcohol on Monday (July 14).

The action was part of a joint inspection of private buses conducted by the enforcement wing of the Ernakulam Regional Transport Office (RTO) and the city traffic police. Since the buses were in service at the time, the drivers who were booked were replaced immediately.

“Steps will be taken to suspend their licences after issuing show-cause notices and conducting a hearing,” said R. Chanthu, assistant motor vehicle inspector.

In addition, 18 buses were booked for various violations during the drive, which lasted from early morning till afternoon. “We have registered 20 cases for petty offences and collected ₹20,000 in fines. The court will decide the penalty for drunken driving,” Mr. Chanthu added.

The inspection was conducted on the directive of the State Transport Commissioner following widespread complaints regarding the reckless and dangerous operation of private buses in the city.

The checking was carried out at key locations, including the High Court Junction and Kaloor bus stand. The Ernakulam RTO (Enforcement) said the drive will continue.

Mr. Chanthu, along with assistant motor vehicle inspectors Arun Sasidharan, Dineesh Kumar, and Ajay Mohandas; city traffic sub-inspectors V. Santhosh Kumar and P.M. Madhu; and civil police officers P.R. Azad and P.R. Jagesh participated in the operation.