Panaji, June 26: The Goa Directorate of Transport has directed the Superintendent of Police (Headquarters) to ensure strict enforcement of the provisions of the Motor Vehicles Act against passenger vehicle drivers found driving under the influence of alcohol while on duty.

In an official communication dated June 24, 2026, Director of Transport Arvind B. Khutkar informed the police that the directive was issued following a representation submitted by Sudip Tamhankar, General Secretary of the All Goa Private Bus Owners Association.

The representation requested that drivers of passenger vehicles found under the influence of alcohol while on duty be proceeded against under the relevant provisions of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, while ensuring that passenger vehicles are not unnecessarily detained.

The Transport Department has asked the police to issue suitable instructions to all subordinate officers to deal with drunken driving cases strictly in accordance with Sections 185, 202, 203 and 204 of the Motor Vehicles Act.

The communication also emphasises that while taking legal action against offending drivers, authorities should safeguard the interests and convenience of passengers by avoiding unnecessary detention of passenger vehicles.

The directive aims to strengthen road safety while ensuring that public transport users are not inconvenienced during enforcement drives.