Delhi's Public Buses Record Nearly 150 Accidents in 2024-25
New Delhi witnessed a concerning number of bus accidents in the 2024-25 period. Government data reveals that Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) and cluster buses together were involved in close to 150 accidents. This figure includes 41 fatal incidents that resulted in loss of life.
Breakdown of Accident Statistics
The data provides a detailed look at the distribution of these accidents. DTC buses accounted for 97 crashes, with 21 of them proving fatal. Cluster buses, operated under the Delhi Integrated Multi-Modal Transit System, were involved in 50 accidents. These cluster bus accidents led to 20 deaths.
Officials classified 27 accidents as major in severity. DTC buses were involved in 15 of these major crashes, while cluster buses were part of the remaining 12. The report also noted 79 minor accidents. Among these, DTC buses figured in 61 minor incidents, and cluster buses in 18.
Standard 12-meter government buses, which form the backbone of Delhi's public transport, were responsible for the majority of these accidents. This trend highlights a systemic issue within the city's bus operations.
Scale of Operations and Inherent Risks
On an average day during 2024-2025, over 6,400 DTC and cluster buses plied Delhi's roads. These buses served lakhs of commuters across the Delhi-NCR region. The DTC itself operated a daily average of approximately 3,500 buses from its fleet of nearly 3,800 vehicles.
Cluster buses added close to 3,000 buses daily from a total fleet of around 3,150. These buses navigate both wide arterial roads and congested city routes. Government sources point to several factors that increase collision risks.
Narrow carriageways, mixed traffic conditions, and weak lane discipline are cited as persistent problems. These issues become particularly dangerous during peak hours when traffic volume surges.
Recurring Causes Behind the Accidents
Delhi government sources identified multiple recurring causes for these bus accidents. Frequent overspeeding tops the list of concerns. Lack of enforcement for dedicated bus lanes also contributes significantly to the problem.
Other factors include poor road design and weak compliance with basic traffic rules. Instances of drivers using mobile phones while operating buses have been flagged as a serious hazard. Some cases involved drivers suffering sudden medical emergencies, such as heart attacks, while on duty.
Internal investigations in certain accidents pointed to poorly trained drivers. Shockingly, some cases even revealed drunk driving as a cause. Sources claim that instances of bus drivers being penalized for lane violations have decreased in recent times.
Driver Perspectives and Official Responses
A DTC bus driver, who chose to remain anonymous, shared the challenges faced on the road. "Drivers operate under constant pressure to maintain schedules amid chaotic traffic conditions," the driver explained. This pressure can sometimes lead to risky driving decisions.
Transport authorities have initiated some corrective measures. A senior official stated that the corporation has engaged private operators to train drivers, especially those handling DTC's new electric buses. The official added that a strict policy has been implemented.
Any driver found guilty of causing an accident will now face suspension of their license for a minimum of six months. This move aims to enforce greater accountability among bus operators.
Notable Accident Incidents Across Delhi
Several serious accidents made headlines throughout the year. In June, two DTC buses collided near the Shadipur depot. This crash resulted in one fatality and left two others injured.
August saw another tragic incident in Shakarpur. A DTC bus lost control, killing a 63-year-old autorickshaw driver. October witnessed multiple crashes involving these buses across different parts of the city.
In Vishwas Nagar, a DTC bus rammed into a motorcycle, an e-rickshaw, and a school van. This accident injured three people, including an eight-year-old child. In Dayalpur, a metro feeder bus hit a 55-year-old motorcyclist, causing his death.
November brought another electric DTC bus crash in Shastri Nagar. This incident left two people critically injured. December saw a bus being driven on the wrong side of the road in west Delhi. It hit a car and an autorickshaw, injuring at least two individuals.
Call for Enhanced Safety Measures
The data underscores an urgent need for comprehensive safety improvements. Experts emphasize the importance of proper driver training programs. Stricter monitoring of bus operations is also considered essential.
Implementing and enforcing dedicated bus lanes could significantly reduce accidents. Better road design and stricter adherence to traffic rules are other critical areas needing attention. As Delhi's population relies heavily on its bus network, ensuring passenger and pedestrian safety must become a top priority for transport authorities.
