Days after a 16-year-old girl was allegedly gang-raped inside a moving bus in Noida, the Delhi government has ordered bus operators to strictly follow safety measures for passengers, especially women. The Transport Department has directed operators to ensure that Vehicle Location Tracking Devices (VLTDs) and panic buttons remain functional at all times.
Buses have also been barred from using curtains or glass fitted with films that can obstruct visibility.
Drivers have been instructed not to stop buses at unsafe or unauthorised locations, including in the middle of roads and at intersections. The department has also made it mandatory for drivers to carry valid driving licences and wear prescribed uniforms, PTI reported.
Bus Crew To Be Trained On Women’s Safety
The government has asked bus operators to sensitise drivers, conductors and other staff about preventing harassment and dealing with offences against women passengers.
If any incident involving indecent behaviour, molestation, eve-teasing or another offence against a woman takes place on a bus, the crew must immediately inform the police. They have also been directed to take the bus to the nearest police station, police post or PCR van.
Transport Minister Pankaj Singh said passenger safety was “non-negotiable” and stressed that all buses operating in Delhi must meet prescribed safety and operational standards.
The department has also ordered operators to verify drivers, conductors, attendants and other staff before deploying them. Staff must maintain courteous behaviour with passengers, while driving under the influence of alcohol or intoxicating substances has been strictly prohibited.
New Rules For Parking, School Buses
According to the order, buses can be parked during night and idle hours only at authorised, secure and adequately lit locations. School buses must have an authorised attendant wherever required, while their doors must remain securely closed when the vehicle is moving.
Bus operators have also been told to comply with emission norms and carry valid Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificates.
The new directions come after the alleged gang rape of a Class 11 student from Mainpuri, Uttar Pradesh, inside a sleeper bus in Noida on August 4. Police have arrested two accused in connection with the case. The girl was allegedly abandoned near Kashmere Gate in Delhi after the incident.
The case has triggered renewed concerns over safety standards on buses and the verification of drivers and other transport staff.
(With inputs from agencies)