Handbrake-lacking Aapli buses under scanner; NMC orders probe

Nagpur: Allegations that nearly 180 Aapli buses are operating without functional handbrakes have triggered a major safety scare in Nagpur, prompting Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) transport department to order a detailed inspection of the diesel bus fleet on Monday.The action came following a complaint by Congress corporator and transport committee member Shailesh Pandey, who alleged that at least 180 midi and mini buses operating under Aapli Bus service lacked handbrakes and other mandatory safety equipment, posing serious risk to commuters and road users.In a memorandum submitted to NMC deputy municipal commissioner and transport manager Meghna Wasankar, Pandey claimed that the buses were also running without fire extinguishers and first-aid boxes. He further alleged that damaged and cut wiring inside several buses increased the possibility of fire incidents.Acting on the complaint, transport department ordered inspection of 195 diesel buses, including 150 midi and 45 mini buses operating across the city. Wasankar directed officials to immediately remove from service any bus found without proper handbrakes or critical safety systems.Pandey questioned how technically unfit buses were issued fitness certificates by regional transport offices (RTOs) despite glaring deficiencies. He also accused Chalo Mobility and operators of ignoring repeated complaints regarding the condition of buses.The issue snowballed on Monday after employees affiliated with Nagpur District Drivers' Union, led by Nitin Tiwari of Shiv Sena, launched a protest at Mor Bhavan depot in Sitabuldi. During the agitation, Pandey and Tiwari allegedly showed defective buses parked at the depot to transport officials and questioned why such "scrap-like" vehicles were still being allowed on roads.The protesting workers later marched to NMC headquarters in Civil Lines, where police intervened before a delegation met Wasankar and transport officials.Tiwari alleged that conductors were being denied HRA, mechanics were paid barely Rs12,000 instead of prescribed wages, and workers lacked safety gear and canteen facilities. He also alleged irregular recruitment of 40 new conductors.Following discussions, Wasankar assured that only fully fit buses would operate from Tuesday onward. She issued directives to inspect all diesel-run buses and ensure that buses with technical glitches should not ply on city roads and commute passengers.