Bhubaneswar: In a decisive move to bolster road safety and achieve a zero-accident record for the AMA BUS fleet, the Managing Director of Capital Region Urban Transport (CRUT), Shri Sadiq Alam, chaired a comprehensive review meeting with all private operators and the internal operations team.
During the session, Shri Alam issued a series of strict directives aimed at standardizing the working conditions and proficiency of the bus crews. A primary focus of the meeting was the adherence to contractual agreements regarding manpower.
The Managing Director instructed all partner operators to engage the exact number of bus captains as specified in their legal agreements. He emphasized that maintaining the correct staff-to-vehicle ratio is essential for operational efficiency and the overall safety of the public.
To ensure that the captains remain alert and capable of handling the rigors of urban transit, CRUT MD Shri Alam mandated the implementation of regular training modules. These sessions are designed to refresh driving skills and update the crew on the latest road safety protocols.
Furthermore, he highlighted the critical importance of adequate rest, directing operators to manage schedules such that every captain receives sufficient downtime to prevent fatigue-related errors on the road.
In a strategic shift to improve navigation and situational awareness, the Managing Director CRUT advised that captains should be assigned to a single route as much as possible.
This approach is intended to build deep familiarity with specific road conditions, passenger stops, and potential hazards unique to each corridor. By making captains “route specialists,” CRUT aims to minimize the hesitation or errors often associated with navigating unfamiliar areas.
Beyond structural changes, the organization has institutionalized a daily discipline routine. Every morning, before the first bus leaves the depot, formal safety briefings are conducted for both captains and guides. These “toolbox talks” serve as a constant reminder of the responsibility they carry toward passengers and pedestrians.
Known for his compassionate leadership style, MD Shri Alam’s initiatives reflect a balanced approach between rigorous operational standards and the well-being of the workforce.
Through these combined efforts of training, route specialization, and daily awareness, CRUT is working toward its goal of running the AMA BUS fleet with the highest levels of safety and care for the citizens of the capital region.