Home / Crime and Justice / Kochi Buses: A Race Against Time, Danger Ahead
Kochi Buses: A Race Against Time, Danger Ahead
27 Sep
Summary
- Private buses in Kochi frequently overtake dangerously, ignoring court orders.
- Passengers hold on tight, a daily necessity on rough, fast bus rides.
- Many conductors are not in uniform, adding to the disorder on buses.
A recent undercover journey on Kochi's private buses revealed a concerning disregard for passenger safety and traffic regulations. The expedition, covering five buses across numerous junctions over nearly two hours, highlighted a pervasive culture of aggressive driving and frequent, dangerous overtaking. This behavior persists despite a 2022 High Court order that aimed to curb such practices by restricting overtaking and enforcing horn bans.
Passengers on these buses have developed a sense of resignation, often joking about needing to brace for impact. The journey showcased buses weaving through traffic, narrowly avoiding collisions with other vehicles and pedestrians. Uniformity among conductors was also found to be lacking, with many not adhering to prescribed dress codes. The competition among bus operators for even minor time savings appears to fuel this continuous, high-risk race across the city daily.
