Maharashtra launches statewide campaign to tackle drug-impaired driving, target safe transport

In a major push toward enhancing road safety, Maharashtra Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik on Friday announced a comprehensive state-wide campaign titled "Drug-Free Driver, Safe Journey, Capable Maharashtra".

The initiative aims to introduce an integrated alcohol and drug-testing framework across various passenger and freight transport sectors between 2026 and 2029.

Speaking at a high-level meeting -- attended by senior officials from the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) and the Transport Department -- Minister Sarnaik outlined the vision to curb driving under the influence through preventive measures, routine checks, medical treatment, and rehabilitation.

To kickstart the initiative, the Minister, in his capacity as the Chairman of MSRTC, announced a personal donation of Rs 1 lakh to purchase drug-testing equipment dedicated to screening MSRTC drivers and conductors.

The campaign will initially cover MSRTC buses, municipal bus services, government vehicles, public sector fleets, and state-contracted vehicles.

It will subsequently expand to include private buses, tourist vehicles, taxis, app-based cabs, auto-rickshaws, and contract carriages.

It will also include employee transport across MIDC industrial zones, factories, companies, and logistics providers and later trucks, tankers, hazardous material carriers, warehouses, distribution centers, and port transport, school and college transport, hospital vehicles, and ambulances under specialised guidelines.

Minister Sarnaik added that the state government is establishing standardised guidelines for pre-duty breathalyser tests, scheduled and surprise drug screenings, and targeted testing based on reasonable suspicion or specific incidents.

Standard operating procedures (SOPs) will also focus on deploying trained personnel, certified testing kits, and digital tracking systems.

He also said that the state government plans to pilot certified rapid-testing kits capable of instantly detecting substances such as cannabis and various narcotics on-site.

The kits allow screening without opening sealed packages, minimising direct exposure risks for testing personnel.

Initial positive results will be followed by mandatory confirmatory tests and formal legal proceedings, the Minister added.

While maintaining a zero-tolerance policy for driving under the influence, Minister Sarnaik said that the initiative prioritises driver welfare.

"Drivers who fail initial screenings will be immediately relieved of driving duties and replaced to protect passenger safety. Counselling, medical evaluation, treatment, and rehabilitation options will be provided to drivers struggling with addiction," he added.

He noted that strict measures will be implemented to safeguard the confidentiality of personal and medical data.

The state government will enforce strict compliance across vehicle owners, transport contractors, industries, and educational institutions.

An integrated digital portal will monitor test counts, device calibration, training logs, medical referrals, and institutional compliance. This state-level system will also seek integration with central agency databases.

"Ensuring the safety of every passenger and upholding the trust of every family is our collective responsibility," Minister Sarnaik added.

"A drug-free driver is the foundation of a safe transport system, which ultimately leads to safe families, a safe society, and a stronger Maharashtra," he said.

(Except for the headline, this article has not been edited by Education Post)