The driver was just watching the cricket match while running the driver, the passenger sent the video and sent it to the minister, the driver dismissed – MSRTC Driver for Watching Cricket Match on Mobile Phone Whail Driving LCLK

The bus driver who watched a cricket match on mobile while driving a bus on the Mumbai-Pune road in Maharashtra was dismissed by the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) on Sunday.

Action after video went viral

According to the report of the news agency, the matter came to light when a passenger traveling in the bus made a video of the driver and sent it to the State Transport Minister Pratap Sarnike. The passenger also shared this video on social media and tagged Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and other ministers.

Actually, the incident took place on 22 March in Shivneri bus service, which is operated between Mumbai and Pune. In the video, the driver was seen running a bus while watching a cricket match on mobile, which threatened the safety of the passengers.

Transport Minister ordered strict action

As soon as Minister Pratap Sarnike came to know about the matter, he immediately directed senior MSRTC officials to take strict action. On his orders, local authorities removed the driver from service.

Bus operator was also fined

This bus service was being operated by a private operator. MSRTC not only dismissed the driver but has also imposed a fine of Rs 5,000 on the concerned private company.

Regarding this, Minister Sarnaik said, ‘Shivneri Seva is an important bus service on Mumbai-Pune Marg and till now this service has been accidental. Strict action is necessary against such careless drivers, who play with the safety of passengers.

He also said that drivers of private companies working under MSRTC will be given regular training so that they follow the traffic rules.

Plan to implement new rules

The minister also informed that there are constant complaints against auto rickshaws and taxi drivers that they drive vehicles while watching matches or movies on mobile. For this, the Transport Department will soon implement new rules so that road safety can be ensured.