'Public transport drivers not to carry mobile phone on duty'

In the backdrop of the Kullu bus accident in which 40 passengers were killed, Himachal Pradesh government today banned drivers of public transport vehicles from carrying mobile phone while on duty.
"The use of mobile phone while driving was already banned but now the public transport drivers have been stopped from carrying mobile phone while on duty," state Transport minister G S Bali said today.
Now the drivers would be punished if mobile was found to be in their possession or in the dash board, Bali said.
The state government move came in wake of the reports that the driver of the private bus that fell into river Beas in Kullu on May 8, was talking on mobile phone.

The state government has initiated several steps to check road mishaps, the Minister said.
"Annual medical test of the drivers would be conducted and they would be required to undergo refresher course," he said.

Dress code for public transport vehicles, including Taxis, would be mandatory and driving license of the driver along with photograph and phone numbers of transport offices and minister would be displayed in the vehicle so that the passengers can inform the authorities in case of violation of driving norms, the Minister said.
The exact number of causalities in Kullu accident was yet to be ascertained and a magisterial enquiry has been ordered, he said.

The route permits of the operators would be cancelled and they would also be liable to six months imprisonment for violation of clauses and condition mentioned in the route permit, Bali said.