India’s oldest bus fleet trains its newest drivers hardest. But the accidents involve veterans
At BEST's training centre in Dindoshi, Mumbai, new recruits undergo intense driver training before being allowed to carry passengers. However, many of the recent fatal crashes involve experienced drivers who have been on the road for years. The training centre, which has been operating since 1997, has adapted its curriculum to address the increasing number of accidents involving seasoned drivers.
The 28-day course includes classroom instruction on BEST's history, traffic regulations, fire safety, fuel conservation, and engine mechanics, followed by at least 30 minutes of on-the-wheel training daily. Instructors examine traffic CCTV footage and present their observations to the trainees to help them understand what could have prevented the accidents.
Despite the rigorous training, the number of accidents remains high, with 24 deaths in accidents involving BEST buses in the 2024-25 and 2025-26 fiscal years.
Written by urgent.news from The Indian Express's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
