Shimla, Sep 2 - Bus drivers in Himachal Pradesh would not be allowed to even carry their mobile phones, let alone use them. State Transport Minister Mohinder Singh Wednesday said usage of cell phones while driving is one of the main reasons that led to various accidents in the state.

More than 55 people died in bus accidents in Himachal Pradesh during the last two months.

'The government is serious about minimising accidents. The use of mobile phones by bus drivers is one of the main reasons (for the accidents). A total ban on carrying of mobile phones by bus drivers would be imposed soon,' Singh said.

He said a ban on the usage of mobile phones while driving was imposed last year but has not been followed in letter and spirit. 'The drivers have been using their mobile phones despite the ban,' he added.

Enumerating the other reasons for the accidents, he said: 'Of course, competition among private bus drivers to pick up more and more passengers leads to overspeeding and dangerous driving.'

Singh said checking of private buses plying on various routes would be intensified.

Neena Devi, a passenger who got injured in one of the accidents, said poor frequency of buses in the state is responsible for overloading of public transport vehicles.

'Since the government has not started additional bus services on various routes, travelling in overloaded vehicles is the only option,' she said.