Hyderabad: Telangana RTC employees have raised concerns over the RTC breathalyzer test, alleging that some drivers who do not consume alcohol have received positive readings during mandatory pre-duty checks. They have sought a mechanism to verify disputed results through blood tests.
According to employees, the issue has particularly affected drivers nearing retirement, who fear that an adverse entry could affect their retirement benefits. They claimed that false positive readings could have serious service consequences.
A senior driver from a depot under the GHMC limits recently alleged that a breathalyzer test showed a blood alcohol content (BAC) reading of 152. Five minutes later, the same device reportedly recorded a reading of 54. The driver, who said he had undergone heart bypass surgery and did not consume alcohol, claimed officials initially attempted to record the incident as a drunk-driving violation.
The driver later approached a nearby traffic police station, where another breathalyzer test reportedly returned a zero reading. He then requested a blood test in the presence of RTC officials at a government hospital. However, he alleged that officials declined the request before the matter was taken up with union representatives.
RTC breathalyzer test verification sought by employees
RTC employees have demanded a formal process that allows drivers to challenge disputed breathalyzer readings. They have also sought mandatory blood tests in the presence of transport officials and government doctors whenever results are contested.
Furthermore, drivers claimed that fermented foods, curd, certain medicines, and gastric conditions could influence breathalyzer readings. Some experts have also stated that device malfunction or calibration issues can produce inaccurate results in certain cases.
The allegations made by employees have not been independently verified. Telangana RTC has not issued a public response in the material provided regarding the claims or the reported incident.