Bengaluru Bus Drivers Can Now Face Salary Cut Or Lose Job If Caught Using... | New BMTC Circular

With bus accidents on the rise in Bengaluru, the Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) is taking strict action to improve road safety. Drivers have been warned against using mobile phones while driving, as negligence puts passengers at risk.

The new measures aim to ensure discipline, reduce mishaps, and strengthen overall passenger safety across the city.

The BMTC recently shared a circular on X (formerly Twitter) announcing strict penalties for drivers caught using mobiles or digital devices while driving.

“Bengaluru: BMTC has issued a circular announcing strict penalties for drivers caught using mobiles/digital devices while driving, including suspensions, salary deductions, transfers, and withholding of increments,” the post on X

reads.

Check it here:

Bengaluru: BMTC has issued a circular announcing strict penalties for drivers caught using mobiles/digital devices while driving, including suspensions, salary deductions, transfers, and withholding of increments

@BMTC_BENGALURU pic.twitter.com/Y6IymoCsWf

— ChristinMathewPhilip (@ChristinMP_) September 24, 2025

Ensuring Passenger Safety

These measures aim to reduce accidents and make public transportation safer for commuters. By imposing stringent rules, the BMTC hopes to ensure that drivers focus entirely on the road and adhere to safety guidelines at all times.

The policy also reflects a broader effort by authorities to curb careless driving practices and create accountability among transport staff. Commuters in the city will likely benefit from safer and more reliable bus services as the rules are strictly enforced.

Strict Penalties For Drivers

As per Eedina, a local media house, the consequences escalate with repeated violations:

– First offense: 15-day suspension, transfer to another unit, and a Rs 5,000 salary deduction.

– Second offense: 15-day suspension, transfer, suspension of annual promotion for one year, or a Rs 5,000 salary deduction.

– Third offense: 15-day suspension, disciplinary action, transfer, suspension of annual promotion for two years, or a Rs 10,000 salary deduction.

– Fourth offense: 15 days suspension, disciplinary action, transfer, permanent promotion reduction, or two years’ suspension, or a Rs 20,000 salary deduction.

– Fifth offense: 15-day suspension, disciplinary action, transfer, permanent promotion reduction, or a Rs 25,000 salary deduction.

Broader Safety Measures

In August, BMTC Managing Director R Ramachandran chaired a review meeting with divisional and traffic control officers at the Shantinagar headquarters. He directed all depots to hold daily safety briefings at 5 am for drivers, emphasising the importance of road safety.

Additionally, each zone must conduct at least two driver training sessions per week to maintain high safety standards.

BMTC has also made it clear that drivers caught under the influence of alcohol, involved in ticket fraud, or responsible for fatal accidents will face immediate suspension.

In August alone, four fatal bus accidents occurred in Bengaluru, with only one caused by driver error and the others due to reckless two-wheeler riders, passenger negligence, or mishandling of electric buses. In the past year, 20 drivers have been suspended following fatal incidents.