BENGALURU: A shocking incident has stirred public outrage after a VRL Travels bus driver was caught on camera watching the reality show Bigg Boss on his mobile phone while driving at nearly 80 kilometres per hour. The video, which has gone viral on social media, has once again raised serious concerns about road safety and driver discipline on private long-distance buses.
Viral video sparks outrage
The incident reportedly took place around 2:50 am during a journey from Mumbai to Hyderabad. In the viral clip, the driver can be seen placing his phone just below the steering wheel, streaming the television show while manoeuvring the vehicle on a dimly lit highway.
Startled by the driver’s reckless behaviour, a passenger recorded the incident and uploaded the footage online, tagging VRL Travels in the complaint post. The video quickly gained traction, prompting widespread condemnation from netizens who criticised the company for endangering passenger lives.
Company responds with swift action
In response to the viral outrage, Vijayanand Travels, the parent company operating VRL Travels, conducted an internal inquiry and terminated the driver from service immediately. The company also issued a public apology acknowledging the gravity of the situation.
“We sincerely regret the inconvenience, fear, and distress you experienced during your journey on October 27 from Mumbai to Hyderabad. Passenger safety is our top priority, and we take such matters with the utmost seriousness,” the official statement read.
Reiterating its zero-tolerance policy towards negligence, the company confirmed that “the concerned driver has been relieved from duty with immediate effect due to his negligent behaviour.”
Renewed focus on passenger safety
The company further assured the public that it regularly conducts safety training and awareness programmes for its workforce, which includes more than 1,300 travel drivers and 10,000 logistics drivers. Following the incident, management said it had reinforced strict instructions prohibiting the use of mobile phones while driving.
Despite these assurances, the video has reignited debate on road safety regulations and the need for stricter oversight of private bus operators. Commuters and road safety experts have pointed out that such negligent acts could have catastrophic consequences, especially during overnight journeys when passengers are asleep and less alert.
Calls for stricter monitoring
Social media users have demanded enhanced driver monitoring systems, including in-vehicle cameras, GPS-based speed tracking, and automatic alerts for distracted driving. Some have also urged authorities to impose heavier penalties on operators who fail to enforce safety norms.
Experts say that while technology and monitoring mechanisms exist, implementation remains inconsistent, particularly in the private travel sector. “This incident should be a wake-up call. Passenger safety cannot be compromised for convenience or entertainment,” commented a road safety advocate.
The Bengaluru-based VRL Group, a prominent name in India’s private transportation sector, has faced similar complaints in the past regarding driver conduct, though none as alarming as this one.
As the viral video continues to circulate, authorities and the public alike are emphasising the need for greater accountability, rigorous driver screening, and enforcement of safety protocols to ensure that such incidents do not recur.