737 cases booked in crackdown on erring private bus operators

As part of a major crackdown on reckless driving by private buses in Kochi, the Motor Vehicles department (MVD) has registered 737 cases against bus operators and staff for various offences within eight days.

The cases were registered as part of an ongoing surveillance operation launched to curb rash and negligent driving by private buses in and around the city and to ensure passenger safety. The offences detected during the drive include drunk driving, dangerous driving, unauthorised parking that blocks traffic, and deviation from permitted routes.

The drive, being carried out with the support of the police, was launched on October 25. On the first day, 63 cases were registered, followed by 28 on the second and 63 on the third. The number rose sharply to 180 on the fourth day. Subsequently, 114 cases were recorded on October 29, 68 on October 30, and 136 on October 31. On Saturday (November 1, 2025), 85 more violations were detected. As part of the operation, the fitness certificates of at least eight buses have reportedly been cancelled.

Notably, only one case of alleged drunk driving was detected, while at least 11 drivers were booked for dangerous driving. Throughout the drive, several buses were found operating with doors left open. On the first day alone, 27 such cases were reported, and the number rose to 76 on the fourth day.

Drivers were also booked for using mobile phones while on duty and for playing music beyond the permissible sound limit. In addition, at least 10 bus operators were charged with employing drivers without obtaining police clearance.

Officials from the MVD in Idukki and Kottayam, along with volunteers from the National Service Scheme, have joined the operation, which will continue until November 15. “This is the first time such an extensive drive is being conducted to bring discipline to the private bus sector in the city. The focus is on correcting the behavioural issues of bus staff and ensuring lasting change. A detailed report on the operation will be prepared and submitted to the Regional Transport Authority,” said a source at the Regional Transport Office, Ernakulam.