Should Medical and Fitness Checks for Bus Drivers Be Mandatory Every Three Months?
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Synopsis
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has mandated quarterly medical and physical fitness checks for bus drivers to enhance road safety. This initiative, along with other measures, aims to decrease accidents and improve public transport services.
Key Takeaways
- Mandatory medical checks for bus drivers every three months.
- Focus on eye health to prevent vision-related accidents.
- Road safety is a social responsibility involving everyone.
- Collaboration with IIT Kharagpur for awareness campaigns.
- Improvement of public transport facilities and services.
Lucknow, Sep 6 (NationPress) The Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Yogi Adityanath, has mandated that bus drivers undergo medical and physical fitness evaluations every three months to enhance road safety.
During the launch and inauguration of various services at the Transport Department in Indira Gandhi Pratishthan on Saturday, the Chief Minister emphasized the importance of eye examinations for drivers.
“Driving should not be based on assumptions. Numerous accidents are attributed to vision impairments, which can easily be avoided,” he remarked.
CM Yogi highlighted that the Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (UPSRTC) manages the largest fleet of buses in India, presenting both a significant achievement and a challenge.
He also commended the initiative to offer free bus rides for women for three days during Raksha Bandhan, urging the department to promote such programs more effectively.
The CM called for the development of action plans spanning short-term (3 years), medium-term (10 years), and long-term (22 years).
Referencing previous instances, he praised the department's contributions during the Prayagraj Kumbh and the 2020 Covid pandemic, when it played an essential role in transporting migrants across state lines.
CM Yogi pointed out that annually, more lives are lost in road accidents than during three years of the Covid pandemic, with the youth being the most affected demographic.
“This issue transcends government concern; it is a social responsibility. Road safety is a collective duty that involves everyone—villagers and urban residents, men and women, young and old,” he stated.
The Chief Minister instructed the department to initiate a comprehensive road safety awareness campaign with technical collaboration from IIT Kharagpur, work in coordination with police and other departments, integrate traffic rule education in schools, and enforce strict regulations regarding helmets, seat belts, drunk driving, and overspeeding.
He emphasized that while laws may appear stringent, they are essential for ensuring life and safety.
He also noted the success of a mobile application developed by UP Police that helps identify high-risk accident zones, which has resulted in a reduction in accidents from 18 to just 3 in some areas within a month.
Moreover, he advocated for superior facilities at bus stations, enhanced passenger amenities, organized parking, and the expansion of electric bus services.
“Encouragement of private participation in establishing charging stations, along with promoting the scrapping of old vehicles, is essential to mitigate pollution and minimize accidents,” he added.
The CM further emphasized the necessity to strengthen driving training institutes and enhance accountability within the department. “Improved teamwork will yield quick results,” he remarked.
Point of View
The initiative by CM Yogi Adityanath to enforce stringent medical checks for bus drivers aligns with a broader commitment to public safety. This proactive approach not only aims to reduce accident rates but also highlights the importance of collective responsibility in ensuring safer roads for all.
NationPress
21/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are medical checks for bus drivers important?
Medical checks for bus drivers are vital to ensure they are fit to drive. Many accidents are caused by health issues, particularly vision problems, which can lead to serious road incidents.
How often will these checks be conducted?
The checks will be conducted every three months to maintain high safety standards and address any health concerns promptly.
What additional measures are being taken for road safety?
In addition to medical checks, a comprehensive road safety awareness campaign will be launched, involving education on traffic rules and improved collaboration with police.
What role does technology play in this initiative?
Technology will assist in identifying accident-prone areas through an app developed by UP Police, which has already shown promising results in reducing accidents.
How will this initiative impact public transportation?
By ensuring that bus drivers are medically fit, this initiative aims to enhance the overall safety and reliability of public transportation, encouraging more people to use these services.
