Booze haul: Routes of KTC drivers rotated

Panaji: In response to the recent detention of two drivers involved in illegally transporting liquor on a Hyderabad-bound Kadamba bus, chairman of Kadamba Transport Corporation, Ulhas Tuenkar, has announced a significant operational shift.
Tuenkar stated that measures are being taken to prevent the recurrence of such incidents that tarnish the state’s reputation.
“We have suspended the drivers. It was a government bus that they used (to transport liquor illegally). Such drivers sully the image of the state. We must ensure that such incidents do not reoccur,” said Tuenkar.
He announced the decision to alter driver rosters, ensuring that no driver travels continuously on the same route.
“Moving forward, routes will be changed every eight days, eliminating fixed routes entirely to deter any potential misuse of buses,” he said.
TOI had reported on January 9 that the prohibition and excise enforcement team of Medak division intercepted a Hyderabad-bound bus originating from Goa, seizing a haul of 70 bottles of alcohol. The crackdown led to the apprehension of the driver, Ulhas Harmalkar, 52, and his associate, Abasaheb Rane, 51, at the Kamkole toll plaza during a routine vehicle inspection.
While the drivers have been suspended, KTC is awaiting the release of the bus from Telangana police.
“We are following due processes to release the bus,” the KTC chairman said.
Tuenkar stressed the need for vigilant monitoring of vehicles entering and departing from other states to prevent similar illicit activities.
“We don't know how many times in the past such things have transpired,” said Tuenkar.