New Delhi:
In order to encourage its drivers to ensure accident-free operations in the national capital, Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) will felicitate over 200 of them with a 'Road Safety Award'.
The award would be presented to 232 recipients with DTC having taken the initiative with a view to encouraging the drivers of its fleet of around 4,900 buses to drive safely.
"DTC wants to secure zero-accident operations in the national capital. The corporation will be felicitating 232 drivers who had an accident-free record during 2013-14.
Chief Secretary D M Spolia will give away the 'Road Safety Award' to them on Tuesday," said DTC spokesperson R S Minhas.
The awardees will get a cash prize of Rs 5,000 and a certificate, Mr Minhas said, adding that DTC will every year give away such awards to drivers.
According to DTC, both permanent and contractual drivers are eligible for the award, which it is hoped would encourage them to maintain an accident-free record.
"The award will certainly have a motivational impact on the drivers for improving their performance," Mr Minhas added.
But drivers who have been challaned (fined) for traffic violation would not be eligible for the award, he said.
Besides, a bus operator has to report on duty for 256 days in a year to qualify for the award.
According to a recent DTC report, as many as 787 persons were killed and 2,678 others injured in accidents involving DTC buses in the last 10 years.