In the wake of recent deadly sleeper bus fire accidents, Union Road Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari has unveiled a series of comprehensive safety measures to come into immediate effect. The measures aim to prevent passenger fatalities and address systemic violations in bus manufacturing that have contributed to these tragedies.

Deadly Bus Fires Trigger Safety Overhaul
Over the past three months, six major sleeper bus accidents in Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Andhra Pradesh have claimed approximately 145 lives. Gadkari highlighted that low-quality manufacturing combined with corruption in approvals and certifications has turned some buses into “death traps.” He warned that many buses are falsely presented as products of reputable manufacturers, masking substandard construction.

New Safety Rules for Sleeper Buses
Under the revised guidelines:

• Only licensed automobile companies and government-registered manufacturers can produce sleeper buses.

• All buses in operation must be equipped with emergency fire systems, including manual, lighted, and audible emergency exits.

• Backup systems will alert drivers to take breaks to reduce accident risks.

• All bus services must comply with the revised AIS-052 safety code issued in September.

State Oversight and Enforcement
States have been directed to review the registration and fitness certification processes for inconsistencies. Violators will face strict action. “If there is a violation, then the violator will face the brunt of the law,” Gadkari stated, emphasizing that corruption compromising passenger safety will not be tolerated.

Objective and Industry Impact
The new measures aim to restructure the bus transport system and provide millions of passengers with safer long-distance travel options. While transport safety experts have welcomed the reforms, bus operators have expressed concern about the operational adjustments required to comply with the new standards.

This initiative marks a significant step toward safer public transport and reflects the government’s commitment to preventing future tragedies in the sleeper bus segment.

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