Driver of ill-fated Malshej bus had clean track record, say colleagues

The driver of the ill-fated state transport bus that met with an accident at Malshej Ghat on Thursday had a clean track record. Kisan Chaudhary, who was among the 27 people killed in the fatal mishap, was to retire in August 2014. The bus, which was heading to Ahmednagar from Thane collided with a truck on Malshej Ghat before rolling down 325 feet.

With the tragedy turning the spotlight on the staffers of the state transport body, it has emerged that most of the drivers and conductors continue to serve in stressful conditions. “Those who serve in Mumbai are among the lucky ones as staff facilities here are far better than interior Maharashtra,” said a Santosh Bhide, a driver with the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC).

Mahesh Jagade, a conductor at Parel depot echoed similar sentiments. He said, “Nashik has one of the worst restrooms, obviously not to mention facilities at other depots.” The staff admitted that instances of harassment of some of their colleagues at the hands of seniors, who refuse to sanction their leaves, aren’t uncommon.

Most members were unaware of about counsellors at the depots to help them tackle with stress. There are posts for 63 counsellors, but only 34 are filled. Despite such odds, Chaudhary managed to keep himself calm for years. “The staff at Thane depot kept wondering how an experienced and level-headed driver could meet with an mishap” said an official.

MSRTC chairman Jeevanrao Gore said, “There is problem with restrooms as cleanliness isn’t maintained. We are making attempts to improve the situation and it is a constant process.”

(Names of conductors and drivers have been changed on request)