Even as an investigation into the recent accident involving an Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC) bus in Jangareddygudem in the West Godavari district is underway, officials at the head of the company are focusing on strengthening the preparation of fleet drivers.

“We want our drivers to become more perfect and to guarantee accident-free driving. The safety of passengers is paramount and we will spare no effort to achieve our goal, ”said APSRTC Director General Ch. Dwaraka Tirumala Rao.

He said that two senior supervisors who have moved from the rank of driver and who are endowed with the technical driving know-how, have been hired to tour the depots and train the drivers, mainly in the safety aspects and also in the means. to increase mileage.

Wary of important issues, company officials insist that staff ensure that vehicles are properly maintained, that the bus is inspected before each trip and that the brakes are checked regularly. Company drivers receive lessons on basic rules such as slowing down in areas under construction, maintaining a safe distance from vehicles in front, and defensive driving.

Speaking about the terrible accident that left 10 people dead, including the bus driver, Mr. Rao said an investigation was underway to identify the cause of the crash. Early reports suggested that in order to avoid a head-on collision with a vehicle coming from the opposite direction, the driver swerved to the left, causing the bus to hit a bridge railing and plunge into the creek. . “However, it is also said that no large vehicle was coming in the opposite lane at the time of the accident. The exact cause of the incident can only be established once the committee has submitted its reports,” he said. he declared.

The panel, formed by the APSRTC comprising its regional director, his assistant to the chief engineer and his assistant to the traffic chief, examines the various possibilities that could have led to the accident.

“Finances in difficulty”

When asked if there was a proposal to revise APSRTC bus fares given the sharp rise in gasoline and diesel prices, he said it was up to the government to decide on the revision. tariffs. “It is true that the Company is in dire straits when it comes to its finances. Fares for APSRTC buses were last revised in 2019. After that, the price of diesel increased by more than 50%. There is no denying that this places a huge burden on the business, ”he said.