AMTS Buses Turn deadly in Ahmedabad, 72 die in 6 Yrs

Ahmedabad : Ahmedabad’s iconic AMTS (Ahmedabad Municipal Transport Service) buses, a vital lifeline for thousands of daily commuters, have earned an alarming reputation. Over the last six years, these buses have been involved in 1,790 accidents, tragically claiming the lives of 72 innocent people. In the most recent year alone (2023-24), 12 people lost their lives due to collisions involving AMTS buses. The rising death toll and lack of substantial action from authorities have raised serious concerns about the safety of the service.

Private Operators Under Scrutiny

Despite the magnitude of these accidents, AMTS services are primarily operated by about 10 private companies, and many believe these operators should bear a significant share of the responsibility. Among the top contributors to accidents are companies like Maruti Travels and Tank Bus Operation Pvt. Ltd, which have been involved in 22 and 20 accidents, respectively. Other operators, including Adinath Bulk Carriers Pvt. Ltd. and Erham Transportation Pvt. Ltd., also have troubling records.

In total, these private operators have caused 77 accidents, adding to the already grim statistics. Yet, the operators continue their services without being blacklisted or facing harsher penalties. This has sparked public outrage, with many questioning why stricter regulations are not in place for AMTS, especially when other vehicles face stringent rules.

Minimal Fines, Maximum Damage

In terms of accountability, it seems the punishment does not fit the crime. In the case of 1,100 accidents caused by AMTS drivers, authorities have only managed to collect ₹65.49 lakhs in fines—an average of a mere ₹5,953 per incident. This negligible amount has left citizens frustrated and demanding tougher penalties and more severe consequences for both drivers and operators.

A significant concern is that after accidents, the bus driver is often arrested or flees the scene, but the operator—the company responsible for managing the buses—faces little to no repercussions. This lack of accountability has fueled speculation about the protection these private operators enjoy. Critics are demanding answers: Who is shielding these operators? Why are they allowed to continue operating despite such a poor safety record?

Recent Tragedies

One of the more recent incidents occurred on May 12, when an AMTS bus collided with eight vehicles in the Jodhpur area of Ahmedabad. While there were no fatalities, the vehicles were heavily damaged, causing a significant traffic jam. Incidents like these are becoming all too common on Ahmedabad’s roads, leading residents to call for stricter safety measures and better oversight of AMTS operations.

A Push for Electric Buses

In a bid to modernize and make the service more environmentally friendly, AMTS has introduced electric double-decker buses. Seven electric buses are already operational, and the transport body plans to add 60 more in the near future. However, many are concerned that these new electric buses will also be handed over to the same private operators who have a poor safety record. If this happens, it raises doubts about whether the introduction of electric buses will truly improve the safety and quality of service.

As the death toll continues to rise, the question remains: how long will authorities turn a blind eye? Citizens are demanding more than just token fines. They want stricter regulations, harsher penalties, and real accountability for private operators. Without these reforms, AMTS may continue to operate as a ‘death bus’ rather than a reliable mode of transport.