Transport Minister suspends 20 DTC drivers in surprise visit

Delhi Transport Minister Gopal Rai on Sunday directed suspension of 20 drivers of DTC buses after they were found absent from duty in a surprise visit of Rajghat bus depot.

During the inspection, the minister found that details of 57 DTC buses were not available online. Further, records and duty registers revealed that 20 regular drivers whose duties were booked for the day had not reported for duty.

The drivers had not given any intimation or reason to the authorities concerned for their unauthorised absence from duty, said a Transport Department official. Rajghat Depot has a fleet of 170 buses but due to several reasons, including unauthorised absence of drivers, the number of buses leaving the depot in the evening shift is frequently less than this number, the official said.

The minister observed that only 100 buses had left the depot and 57 buses were found to be stationed inside as some drivers were absent. Concluding the inspection, Rai warned that strict action will be taken against the drivers for their unauthorised absence from duty and added that the government is committed for providing uninterrupted public transport services to the people. 

Also Read: NGT flays DTC over report on inspection of buses