Bageshwar: In the hilly districts of Uttarakhand, the bus drivers of KEMU (Kumaon Motor Owners Union Limited) not only hold the steering wheel, but also shoulder the responsibility of safety and trust of hundreds of passengers. Traveling daily on narrow, winding and sometimes deadly mountain roads has become a normal routine for them. Chemu drivers Lalit Dwivedi and Anil Pandey, posted in Bageshwar district, have been engaged in this challenging service for more than 15 years, and are taking passengers to their destination safely amidst risk every day.
The daily routine of Chemu drivers starts much earlier than the common people. The first thing we wake up in the morning in the harsh cold of four to five o’clock is the technical inspection of the bus. They set out on the route only after carefully checking the brakes, tyres, engine, lights, horn and fitness. Even small carelessness in the mountains can lead to a major accident, hence no compromise is made regarding the condition of the vehicle.
The challenge for Kemu drivers increases due to changing weather conditions. Landslides in rainy season, dense fog in winter and snowfall in high altitude areas, all these situations require driving with extra caution. Many times, in case of debris falling on the way or road closure, it becomes the responsibility of these drivers to explain to the passengers and make alternative arrangements.
Bus driving in the mountains is not just a job, but a responsibility
Even after long duty, fatigue is rarely visible on their faces. Lalit Dwivedi and Anil Pandey tell that driving a bus in the mountains is not just a job but a social responsibility. Despite low income and high risk, they do it with a spirit of service. He says that when a traveler reaches his home safely, all the fatigue goes away automatically.
Kemu bus services are still considered a lifeline in the hilly areas. In such a situation, the contribution of these drivers is invaluable. Kemu drivers are viewed with respect among the travelers because even in adverse circumstances, they work to connect the people of the mountains. This is the reason why Kemu drivers remain an untold but strong link in the hill life of Uttarakhand.
