Handbrake-lacking Aapli buses under scanner; NMC orders probe Allegations that nearly 180 Aapli buses in Nagpur are operating without functional handbrakes have sparked a major safety concern, prompting the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) transport department to launch a detailed inspection of the city’s diesel bus fleet. The probe was initiated following a complaint by Congress corporator and transport committee member Shailesh Pandey, who accused the operators of allowing buses to run without essential safety equipment. Pandey alleged that at least 180 midi and mini buses under the Aapli Bus service lacked handbrakes, fire extinguishers, and first-aid boxes, posing significant risks to commuters. He also highlighted damaged wiring in several vehicles, which could increase the likelihood of fire incidents. Acting on the complaint, the NMC transport department ordered inspections of 195 diesel buses, including 150 midi and 40 mini buses operating across the city. NMC deputy municipal commissioner and transport manager Meghna Wasankar directed officials to remove from service any bus found without proper handbrakes or critical safety systems. Pandey questioned how buses with technical deficiencies were issued fitness certificates by regional transport offices (RTOs), despite the glaring issues. He also accused Chalo Mobility and operators of ignoring repeated complaints about the buses’ condition. The issue escalated on Monday when employees of the Nagpur District Drivers’ Union, led by Shiv Sena-affiliated Nitin Tiwari, staged a protest at Mor Bhavan depot in Sitabuldi. During the agitation, Pandey and Tiwari allegedly showed defective buses parked at the depot to transport officials, demanding explanations for why such vehicles were still on the roads.#nagpur_municipal_corporation #shailesh_pandey #meghna_wasankar #chalo_mobility #nagpur_district_drivers_union
