AMTS Driver Caught Drunk Driving in Jamalpur, Agency Fined ₹50,000

Driver Suresh Rajput was removed from service after allegedly driving under the influence and causing an accident near Jamalpur steps; Congress demands mandatory breathalyser tests at all AMTS depots.

An Ahmedabad Municipal Transport Service (AMTS) shuttle bus driver allegedly drove under the influence of alcohol near Jamalpur steps in Ahmedabad, putting the lives of commuters and pedestrians at risk. The incident involved route number 143, and no casualties were reported.

AMTS officials confirmed that the driver, identified as Suresh Rajput, was under the influence of alcohol while driving. He was subsequently removed from service with immediate effect, while Arham, the agency responsible for operating the bus, was fined ₹50,000.

Following the incident, local residents caught the driver and handed him over to the Gaekwad Haveli police. The incident has raised concerns about the safety checks conducted on drivers operating public transport buses in the city.

Congress demands mandatory breathalyser tests at bus depots

Following the incident, Atik Saiyed, spokesperson for the Ahmedabad City Congress, demanded that breathalyser tests be made compulsory at all AMTS bus depots before drivers are permitted to take their vehicles onto the roads.

Saiyed said drivers should be allowed to begin their shifts only after their alcohol screening results confirm that they are fit to drive. He also called for legal action against the driver and demanded his permanent removal from service.

The demand comes amid concerns about the safety of passengers and other road users who depend on or share roads with public transport buses.

AMTS confirms action against driver and operating agency

An AMTS official confirmed that the driver was under the influence of alcohol and said he had been removed from service with immediate effect. The operating agency, Arham, was also fined ₹50,000 over the incident.

The incident occurred near Jamalpur steps when the route 143 shuttle bus was allegedly being driven under the influence, resulting in an accident. No casualties were reported.

AMTS has faced other operational controversies

AMTS has faced scrutiny over other bus-related incidents in recent months.

In July, an AMTS bus collided with a road divider near Ellisbridge. At the time, suspicions were raised that the driver might have been under the influence of alcohol, and an investigation was initiated.

In September, an altercation reportedly broke out between AMTS and BRTS drivers near Iskcon crossroads over an overtaking dispute. The incident disrupted bus services and caused inconvenience to passengers.

Another controversy emerged when two electric AMTS buses were found operating with identical number plates, raising questions about vehicle monitoring and operational oversight.