'Mini' buses involved in 'too' many accidents

New Delhi, Apr 10 (UNI) Despite their size, 'mini' buses in the capital mowed down 88 people in just over two years, causing more than a flutter.

While the total number of permits issued by Delhi government to mini buses upto November last year was 4,300, such buses killed 29 people in 2004, 56 in 2005 and three till February 15 this year, according to official figures.

Total number of accidents involving mini buses in which fatalities occured in 2004 were 28, 53 in 2005 and three till this February 15.

Mini buses also injured 262 people in 175 accidents in 2004, 238 people in 155 accidents in 2005 and 25 people in 16 accidents till February this year, which was second highest for any category of buses in the city.

Besides, mini buses were also involved in 14 accidents in 2004, ten in 2005 and one till February 15 this year. However no one was injured in the incidents..

Aware of the irregularities committed by mini buses, the state government's Transport Enforcement Staff and the Delhi Traffic Police conducted a special drive to keep a check on such buses.

As many as 1,067 mini buses were challaned and 525 impounded for various offences in 2004 while 1,099 were challaned and 362 impounded last year.

Most of the accidents were attributed to one particular brand of mini bus that had high centre of gravity as it was especially made for rural areas with bad or no roads but overturned far too easily when manoeuvered at high speeds.

Earlier, Delhi Metro was issuing permits to only this particular brand of mini buses for running its feeder service but after a spate of accidents, DMRC is looking to give permits to other brands of such buses as well.

UNI IP VD ND1516