HRTC conductor suspended after passenger death linked to negligence

A conductor at the Nahan depot of Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) has been suspended after it was confirmed he was intoxicated while on duty. The disciplinary action follows a tragic incident on January 7, which resulted in the death of a passenger due to negligence.

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The incident took place on the Andheri-Chandigarh route, operated by the Nahan depot. After the bus reached Andheri from Dadahu in the evening, the driver and conductor parked the vehicle and left for their rest. Unbeknownst to them, a passenger from the Sangrah area had remained on board. The following day, as the bus resumed its journey from Andheri to Chandigarh, other passengers discovered the man unconscious. Upon arrival at Dadahu, the passenger was rushed to a hospital but was declared dead.

Following the incident, the police launched an investigation and conducted a medical test on the conductor, Daulat Ram. The test confirmed he was under the influence of alcohol during his duty hours. After departmental proceedings, HRTC management found him guilty and suspended him, assigning his headquarters to Nahan during the suspension period.

HRTC Regional Manager Anshit Sharma confirmed the suspension and stated a section officer has been appointed to investigate the matter further. This incident has raised serious concerns about safety protocols and the professional conduct of HRTC staff. The corporation has assured stricter measures would be implemented to prevent such occurrences in the future, prioritising the safety and wellbeing of passengers.

This episode has also underscored the need for enhanced monitoring and accountability among transport staff to maintain public trust in the state-run transportation service.