Concerns over the safety of passengers travelling on private buses have emerged in Visakhapatnam after two long-distance bus drivers were caught driving under the influence of alcohol in the past three months. The incidents involved buses carrying passengers on inter-city routes. 

In the latest incident, Gajuwaka traffic police intercepted a private sleeper bus travelling towards Chennai during a random drunken-driving check. The driver recorded a blood alcohol concentration of more than 100 mg, compared with the permissible limit of 30 mg. The co-driver was also found to be under the influence of alcohol. 

The bus was carrying a full complement of passengers. Police booked cases against the travel operator and the drivers. Replacement drivers were arranged so that passengers would not be left stranded, after which the bus was allowed to continue its journey following the required formalities. 

Earlier, on June 27, another private bus carrying 26 passengers from Visakhapatnam to Vijayawada was intercepted during a check. Its driver was found to have a blood alcohol concentration of nearly 250 mg. 

Traffic police currently conduct random checks at different locations, covering private buses along with other vehicles. Gajuwaka Traffic Inspector Sheikh Hussain said drunken-driving checks would be intensified and advised passengers to contact 100 if they suspect that a driver is under the influence of alcohol.