Govt Mandates Safety Overhaul for Sleeper Buses, Hits Auto Makers

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Overview

New regulations will require sleeper coach buses to be manufactured exclusively by accredited automobile companies or government-certified facilities. Existing buses must undergo retrofitting with advanced fire detection, emergency exits, and driver drowsiness systems following a series of fatal accidents. This measure aims to enhance passenger safety on Indian roads.

New Manufacturing Mandate

The government has instituted stringent new rules for the manufacturing of sleeper coach buses, a move aimed at curbing a worrying rise in fire accidents. Union Minister Nitin Gadkari announced Thursday that only established automobile companies or facilities specifically accredited by the Centre will be permitted to build these vehicles moving forward.

Retrofitting Requirements

Existing sleeper coach buses in operation will not be exempt. These vehicles are now mandated to be retrofitted with critical safety enhancements. This includes the installation of fire detection systems, ensuring emergency exits are clearly marked and equipped with hammers, implementing emergency lighting, and incorporating driver drowsiness indicators. These measures are a direct response to recent incidents highlighting significant safety lapses.

Regulatory Framework and Context

The announcement follows a dire six-month period that saw six separate fire accidents involving sleeper coaches, tragically claiming 145 lives. Gadkari pointed to persistent dangers such as flammable interior materials, obstructed exits, missing emergency windows, and inadequately trained staff as key contributors to these fatalities. The country's bus body code, AIS-052, is being enforced more rigorously to regulate the sector and improve passenger safety.

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