Pune: Vigilant Commuters Raise Concerns About Two MSTRC Drivers Using Mobile Phone While Driving; CMO Responds
In a swift response to public complaints, the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) suspended two bus drivers for using mobile phones while operating e-Shivneri buses on the Pune-Mumbai route. The action followed a vigilant passenger recording a driver watching a cricket match on his phone near Lonavala on March 22 and sharing the video with State Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik.
In a separate incident, Pune resident Nitin Godbole raised concerns about another Dadar-Swargate Shivneri driver using a mobile phone while driving. Godbole shared a photo of the incident on X (formerly Twitter) and tagged the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO). The CMO responded promptly, confirming the driver’s suspension and initiating an FIR.
हा घ्या व्हिडीओ
— Nitin Godbole 🇮🇳 (@nitingodbole) March 22, 2025
दादर ते पुणे, शिवनेरी ac बस
सतत मोबाईल वर बोलत बस चालवतोय
गाडी क्रमांक MH12 V F3924
घ्या पुरावा @msrtcofficial @PratapSarnaik
माझी मागची सीट आहे..त्यामुळें फुल झूम करून व्हिडिओ काढला आहे. pic.twitter.com/zsdJfbKqvl
Following an inquiry, driver Namdev Yadav was found guilty of reckless driving and suspended. MSRTC also penalized the private company operating the bus ₹5,000 and issued a formal notice citing Article 20.12 of the service legal agreement, which prohibits mobile phone use while driving.
Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik emphasized that the e-Shivneri service is a prestigious, accident-free bus service frequently used by business travelers and professionals. He stated, “Strict action is necessary against reckless drivers to maintain public trust in MSRTC’s premium services.”
