UP Minister advises 'Vajrasana' for sleepy drivers

UP Minister for Transport Swatantra Dev Singh has advised bus drivers to practice 'Vajrasana' or take a nap after a heavy meal so that they do not feel sleepy while driving.

The Minister's advice comes after Monday's accident in which 30 people were killed when a state-run Lucknow-Delhi passenger bus plunged into a drain off the Yamuna Expressway near Agra.

He told the media that the inquiry committee report into the accident has suggested that the driver fell asleep.

The minister said he got the Vajrasana tip from a video made by spiritual master Sadhguru. Vajrasana is a basic sitting posture in yoga.

"I was watching a video in which said that if anyone is driving after a full meal, he should take a 30-minute break. When one eats, he should either take a nap or sit in the Vajrasana pose for 20 minutes and then go to work," he explained.

Replying to a question, he said that the route of the bus was changed because there were no passengers for Ghazipur but several people were heading for Agra or Delhi.

"The passengers wanted that the bus should be allowed to depart as soon as possible. The driver was also ready for this," he said.

The Minister said that no action can be taken against the driver as he also died in the mishap.

He also suggested further training for drivers who have not been trained adequately. Their health check-ups should also be carried out, he said.

The Minister said his department has received suggestions like installing crash barriers, increasing the number of rumble strips, deputing two drivers on long-distance buses and prominently displaying the helpline number.

He said safety vigil by department officials will be stepped up on the Expressways. IANS