Mumbai: Transport Minister to Finalize Action Plan Against Headphone-Wearing Drivers Amid Rising Road Safety Concerns

Mumbai, April 29: In a move aimed at tightening road safety enforcement, Maharashtra Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik is set to make a key decision today regarding penalties for drivers found using headphones while behind the wheel.

This development comes in the wake of a disturbing incident on March 22, when a Shivneri State Transport (ST) bus driver was caught watching a cricket match on his phone while driving along the Mumbai-Pune Expressway. A concerned passenger captured the incident on video and forwarded it to Minister Sarnaik, who immediately ordered the driver’s suspension. The bus, operated by a private contractor, also led to a ₹5,000 fine being imposed on the contractor.

Following the episode, Minister Sarnaik had directed transport authorities to formulate specific guidelines for penalizing drivers using headphones. However, with little to no progress made since then, Sarnaik has expressed his dissatisfaction and is expected to demand accountability during the ST Corporation meeting scheduled for today.

As part of the crackdown on distracted driving, the Transport Department will also expand the scope of its WhatsApp complaint helpline—initially piloted in the Andheri RTO—to the entire Mumbai Metropolitan Region. Citizens are urged to report any violations by sending photos or videos of offenders directly to their local RTOs to prompt immediate action.

“Despite clear instructions issued a month ago, no action has been taken. I will seek explanations from the responsible officials. We cannot allow the safety of passengers to be compromised,” said Minister Sarnaik.

The initiative underscores a more aggressive approach to curbing reckless driving habits and reinforces the government’s commitment to passenger safety on public roads.