Pune: MSRTC Terminates Driver After Passengers Accuse Him of Drunken Driving on E-Shivneri Bus
Pune, 12th July 2025: A video showing passengers of an E-Shivneri MSRTC bus confronting its driver for allegedly driving under the influence of alcohol went viral on social media on Friday, prompting swift action from transport officials.
Responding to the viral footage, Arun Siya, Divisional Controller of the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation’s (MSRTC) Pune division, confirmed that the driver had been immediately removed from duty following the incident.
“The driver was employed by a private contractor and not directly by MSRTC,” Siya clarified. “The bus was on its scheduled route to Thane, having departed from Swargate around 5:30 pm with approximately 30 passengers on board.”
The situation escalated when the bus reportedly brushed past a two-wheeler near Vanaz around 6:15 pm, although no injuries were reported. The motorcyclist blocked the bus and confronted the driver, suspecting he was intoxicated. Passengers soon joined in, and the argument was captured on camera by one of them.
“Based on preliminary information, the two-wheeler rider believed the driver was under the influence and alerted a traffic police officer nearby,” Siya said. “The driver was taken to a hospital for a medical examination. Our team is present at the site to coordinate further.”
While MSRTC confirmed the driver’s dismissal, officials did not disclose the name of the hospital where he was taken for testing. Police from the Kothrud police station stated that no formal complaint had been filed in connection with the incident as of late Friday evening.
The video has sparked concerns among commuters and raised questions about contractor accountability and safety protocols for public transport services operated through private partnerships.
