Mumbai l
To strengthen road safety measures, Maharashtra Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik is set to finalize new penalties for drivers caught using headphones while operating vehicles.
The decision comes amid rising concerns about distracted driving, especially after a serious incident on March 22. A Shivneri ST bus driver was recorded watching a cricket match on his phone while driving on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway. A passenger captured the footage and shared it with Minister Sarnaik, leading to the driver’s immediate suspension and a ₹5,000 penalty on the private contractor operating the bus.
Following the incident, Sarnaik had instructed authorities to draft guidelines to penalize drivers using headphones. However, after little progress, the minister expressed dissatisfaction and plans to demand accountability at today’s ST Corporation meeting.
As part of the crackdown, the WhatsApp complaint number, previously limited to the Andheri RTO, will now be expanded across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region. Citizens will be able to report violations by sending photos or videos directly to RTO offices for prompt action.
“Despite giving instructions a month ago, no action has been taken. I will seek explanations. Putting passengers’ lives at risk is unacceptable,” Sarnaik said.
The upcoming measures reflect a stricter approach to curbing distracted driving, reinforcing commuter safety as a top priority for the state.
