The Hindu : Andhra Pradesh News : Upright behind the wheel

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Friday, Jan 11, 2008
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Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh

Upright behind the wheel

S. Harpal Singh

The service book of this ace driver slated for retirement this month-end presents a clean picture

enviable record: RTC driver Tulsiram has managed an accident-free run.

ADILABAD: RTC driver Khandeshkar Tulsiram’s nearly 33 years of service in Adilabad is nothing short of a dream run as he has maintained a ‘no accident’ record throughout. The service book of this ace driver slated for retirement this month-end presents a clean picture in a rather hazardous profession.

Tulsiram has continuously won the best driver award since the last 12 years in categories, including mileage and accident-free tenure. A look at his career record reveals he has deserved the awards and perhaps more.

"During all these years he has not reported either a broken spring or a puncture or even a scratch on the paint work of the buses under his command. He stands out for drawing all the salary increments regularly," vouches Adilabad depot mechanical foreman S. Janardhan.

The secret of success of Tulsiram lies in his sense of duty-mindedness. He has never reported for duty late or without uniform. "The driver has logged 100 per cent operations," Mr. Janardhan adds.

Always on time

"I have always arrived a half hour before the scheduled time of departure of my bus. I utilise this time for carrying out a check on the engine," relates Tulsiram.

The ace driver is humble enough to attribute the success in his profession to God. Tulsiram goes through the routine of first bowing at the footboard and then the steering wheel.

Since the last three years, Tulsiram has been assigned the Adilabad-Pandharkawda shuttle where he has become a popular figure among the passengers. Those who are regulars dare not smoke in the bus. "If a passenger disobeys the ‘no smoking’ rule I stop the bus for him to enjoy the cigarette outside," the award winning driver says.

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