Bengaluru, Sept. 24 -- In a decisive move to curb distracted driving and enhance commuter safety, the Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) has issued a stern directive warning its drivers against the use of mobile phones and digital devices while on duty. Violators are now set to face tough disciplinary measures, including suspensions, hefty salary cuts, transfers, and even loss of future pay hikes.

The crackdown follows a string of serious accidents involving BMTC buses, some of which were fatal, that raised alarm about driver behaviour behind the wheel. Internal investigations revealed that in several incidents, drivers were using mobile phones or electronic gadgets at the time of the mishaps, prompting the corporation t...