BMTC bus toppled on West of Chord Rd on March 27

BENGALURU: Did the driver of the bus that fell from near a flyover on West of Chord Road on March 27 cause the accident by deviating from the route, seeking to avoid taking on board student pass holders? The Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) is investigating this angle in the case.

Fourteen passengers, including four women sustained injuries, when the BMTC bus (route 180A — KHB Colony to Kaval Byrasandra) toppled on West of Chord Road in Rajajinagar 1st Block. While driver Ningegowda claimed he was trying to avoid ramming a biker when the accident occurred, BMTC’s initial investigations revealed the driver had deviated from the original route.

Sources said they are now checking the intelligent transport system (ITS) data as well as CCTV footage. The driver reportedly diverted the route to avoid student pass holders.

The bus was to take the Dr Raj Kumar Road and move towards Navarang Theatre, but the driver reportedly decided to skip the route through Vivekananda College and instead go towards Mahalakshmi Layout on West of Chord Road. However, near the flyover, he got confused about the route and swerved the bus in the last minute to get on to the flyover.

Usually, bus crews are reluctant to take on board pass holders as they aren’t counted while considering revenue targets. Most passengers who board this particular bus at Vivekanada College stop are apparently student pass holders and the BMTC crew, in this case, was desperate for regular ticket buyers.

BMTC managing director NV Prasad said initial probe revealed the driver had deviated from the route. “We have already issued a notice. He has also suffered injuries and is being treated. So, we could not question him. We will take strict action against him, if he has done anything wrong.”

“The incident is due to the negligence of the driver,” said Malleswaram traffic police officials.

BMTC sources say there is a target for the crew. However, they claim they won’t pressurise their staffers to meet the same.

