Private bus accidents have claimed 59 lives in the city in the last three years. A total of 739 private bus accidents were reported in the city during the period. The alarming figures, which call for increased measures to ensure road safety, were revealed in a report submitted by the police to the State Human Rights Commission (SHRC) recently.
The number of private bus accidents in the city has been steadily increasing over the period. However, the positive thing is that the number of fatal accidents is decreasing. While 228 accidents were reported in 2023, including 23 fatalities, the following year there were 240 accidents, including 20 fatalities. In 2025, the number of cases rose to 271 while 16 fatal accidents were reported, according to a report submitted to the SHRC by the Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic West).
The report was tabled at a meeting convened by Alexander Thomas, Chairman, SHRC, on Thursday (January 22, 2026) at Pathadippalam to review the number of cases suo motu registered by the Commission following reports of frequent traffic violations and lack of safety measures.
In its report, the police informed the Commission that in 2025 alone, fines of ₹ 97.65 crore were imposed on private bus operators and employees after uncovering various offences. A total of 17,770 challans were issued for offences.
The detected offenses include stopping vehicles in a way that annoys passengers and other road users, obstructing parking, disobeying legal orders and not stopping at designated bus stops. Furthermore, operating without a driver’s license, inappropriate behavior of bus crew members, transporting passengers or luggage beyond the permitted limits and deviations or shortening of journeys were detected.
Other common offenses flagged by law enforcement include driving without a valid driver’s license, dangerous driving including speeding, and excessive or unauthorized use of horns and lights.
Published – 24 Jan 2026 19:45 IST
