BMTC intensifies safety measures after series of accidents involving its buses

The Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) has stepped up its safety measures to ensure accident-free driving by its staff, following a review of road mishaps involving its buses.

On Friday, a meeting was chaired by the corporation’s Managing Director, divisional controllers, traffic officers, engineers, and depot managers were directed to issue daily instructions to drivers on safe driving practices and strict adherence to traffic rules.

According to BMTC, it has recorded four fatal accidents in August 2025, one of which involved an electric bus. “Investigations revealed that drivers were not at fault in three cases, while in the fourth, responsibility was shared between passengers and the bus driver. Most such incidents occur when two-wheeler riders attempt dangerous overtaking maneuvers,” an official said.

More than 11,800 drivers trained

To enhance awareness, BMTC has trained more than 11,800 drivers since December 2023 in collaboration with Bengaluru Traffic Police. Sessions include video presentations of accident cases at the Traffic Command Centre. “In addition, 1,187 electric bus drivers have undergone specialised training.,” the official added.

The corporation has also revised running times on 2,000 schedules to reduce driver stress and continues to reward drivers with accident-free records. “Strict disciplinary action, including suspension, transfer, and dismissal, has been mandated for violations such as mobile phone use, negligence, or involvement in fatal accidents,” official explained.

Meanwhile, BMTC urged commuters and motorists to follow traffic rules, stressing that reckless overtaking near heavy vehicles poses grave risks to all road users.