No arch, no job: Tamil Nadu transport department says no driver jobs for flat-footed candidates, cites reasons

As bus-related road accidents rise in Tamil Nadu, the state transport department has decided to take a closer look, at the driver’s feet. According to a TOI report, drivers with flat feet (a condition called pes planus) will now be disqualified from applying to drive for any of the state’s eight transport corporations.

There are currently 3,274 driver vacancies, including 364 in Chennai's Metropolitan Transport Corporation (MTC) and 318 in the State Express Transport Corporation (SETC). Drivers in these services often work long shifts and take on overnight journeys. People with flat feet lack an arch in the foot, meaning the entire sole touches the ground. This leads to overpronation, where the ankle rolls inwards too much, affecting how the legs align.

Doctors from medical boards responsible for certifying drivers say that flat-footed individuals have slower reaction times while braking. Constant use of pedals in such cases causes strain to travel up to the knees, hips and lower back, as drivers shift their posture to avoid discomfort. This ongoing stress, doctors say, may result in joint pain and slower reflexes.


“Over time, the way the foot works with the pedal changes, especially during long driving hours or when sudden braking is needed,” said orthopaedic doctor Dr D Siddharth, as quoted by TOI. Professional drivers, unlike casual ones, need strong arch support for fast and accurate footwork across hours.

This is a serious concern for MTC and SETC, where drivers rely on pedal control for extended periods. “If a driver has flat feet, their control and quick reaction can be affected,” said a senior official from the Institute of Road Transport, which helped draft the new rules.

Doctors say special shoe inserts called orthotics can help improve response time and reduce tiredness, but there’s no official policy yet. While flat feet affect about 3% of adults in Tamil Nadu, more so in those with obesity, no other Indian state has added it as a reason to reject driver candidates.

“This is the first time they’re considering biomechanics while hiring,” said S D Kamaraj of the TN Stop Corruption Federation. “But in reality, such checks are often skipped. Let’s hope the process is fair and transparent this time.”

Inputs from TOI