Alcohol Tests Mandatory for AMA Bus Drivers; Minister Reviews Service Performance and Safety Measures

Bhubaneswar: Housing and Urban Development Minister Dr. Krishna Chandra Mohapatra on Tuesday chaired a high-level review meeting to assess the performance, safety standards and operational framework of the AMA Bus Service, with a focus on strengthening public transport systems across Odisha.

The meeting was attended by Managing Director, Capital Region Urban Transport (CRUT), Sanjay Biswal, General Manager Sahadeva Samadhiya, Special Duty Officer Pallavi Behera, and other senior departmental officials. Detailed discussions were held on structural reforms, service quality and passenger safety measures being implemented under the AMA Bus Service.

Emphasising road safety, the Minister highlighted that driving under the influence of alcohol remains one of the leading causes of road accidents. He informed that alcohol testing has been made mandatory for all AMA bus drivers. Over the past year, 1.97 lakh alcohol tests have been conducted through checks at the start and end of trips, along with random inspections during operational hours.

Out of the total tests conducted, 19 drivers were found positive for alcohol consumption. In line with legal provisions, the concerned drivers were arrested by the police and their driving licences were suspended for three months. The cancelled licences were subsequently forwarded to the respective Regional Transport Officers for further action.

Underscoring the government’s commitment to women’s safety and inclusive employment, Dr. Mohapatra said special emphasis is being laid on the induction of women drivers in the AMA Bus Service. He announced that 20 women candidates from CRUT will be sent to Pune on January 31 for specialised e-bus driving training.

The Minister also noted that CRUT, as a pioneering government-run public transport organisation, has extended immediate compassionate assistance to families of accident victims and provided insurance coverage exceeding ₹4 crore to the families of those who lost their lives in road accidents.

Announcing future initiatives, Dr. Mohapatra said a dedicated driver training institute will soon be established at the CRUT depot premises to impart practical driving skills, behavioural training, traffic regulations, lane discipline and road safety education.

He further directed officials to expedite the ongoing expansion of AMA Bus Services in Baripada, Keonjhar and Angul to enhance public transport connectivity in these regions.