Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) has issued a circular warning its drivers against the use of mobile phones and other digital devices while driving, stating that such violations will invite strict disciplinary action, including suspension, salary deductions, transfers, and withholding of increments.
The move comes in the wake of a series of recent accidents involving BMTC buses that have led to loss of lives and tarnished the corporation’s reputation. According to officials, investigations revealed that in several cases drivers were distracted by mobile phones or digital gadgets, prompting the management to introduce stringent measures.
The circular makes it clear that the use of mobile phones, Bluetooth devices, earphones, or similar gadgets while driving, whether for calls, music, or chatting, will be treated as a “red mark (ORMC)” case under disciplinary rules. For the first and second offences, permanent drivers and probationers will face a 15-day suspension, transfer within the division, and a ₹5,000 salary deduction. Probationers will lose an increment for one year.
Trainee drivers will face removal from duty for 15 days, disciplinary inquiry, and a deduction of ₹2,500 for the first offence and ₹5,000 for the second, the circular stated.
The punishments escalate sharply for repeat violations. By the third offence, penalties include withholding increments for up to two years and deductions of up to ₹20,000 from salary. From the fifth offence onwards, trainee drivers risk permanent removal from the trainee selection list, while employees could face deductions as high as ₹30,000 along with loss of increments.
“These penalties are in the interest of public safety and to protect the corporation’s image. It also reserved the right to impose additional punishments under its Conduct and Discipline Rules, 1971,” BMTC official said.
Published – September 24, 2025 06:56 pm IST
