Gadkari Cracks Down on Bus Builders, Rolls Out V2V Safety Tech

TRANSPORTATION
Whalesbook Logo
AuthorAnanya Iyer|Published at:
Gadkari Cracks Down on Bus Builders, Rolls Out V2V Safety Tech
Overview

Road Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari is probing corruption and norm violations by sleeper bus body builders following deadly fire incidents. He announced plans to implement vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communication technology, costing around ₹4,000 per unit, to enhance road safety and prevent accidents, with mandatory adoption expected for all vehicle types.

Road Transport Minister Orders Probe into Bus Builders, Announces New Safety Tech

Road Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari has initiated a significant crackdown on alleged corruption and safety violations within the sleeper bus industry. The move follows a string of fatal fire incidents that have claimed 145 lives across India in just three months. Gadkari also announced the impending rollout of advanced vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communication technology aimed at dramatically reducing road accidents.

Crackdown on Bus Body Builders

Gadkari revealed that investigations into sleeper bus body builders and registration authorities are underway for flouting norms and potential corruption. He highlighted that fire incidents have led to a substantial loss of life. "People have pasted logos of reputed brands fraudulently," he noted. To prevent future tragedies, the government has mandated that sleeper coach buses will henceforth be manufactured only by accredited automobile companies or certified facilities.

Introducing Collision Prevention Tech

In parallel, India is set to introduce vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communication technology, leveraging a dedicated 30 MHz frequency band (5.875-5.905 GHz). This system allows vehicles to communicate directly, alerting drivers in real-time about the speed, location, and braking of nearby vehicles. The technology promises to prevent collisions by giving drivers early warnings, enabling them to take preemptive action.

Mandatory Safety Upgrades

The government is also mandating safety retrofits for existing sleeper coach buses. These upgrades include essential fire detection systems, accessible emergency exits equipped with hammers, emergency lighting, and driver drowsiness indicators. Road Transport Secretary V Umashankar expressed confidence in establishing the necessary standards and implementing the V2V system by the end of the current year. Initially, an on-board unit (OBU) costing approximately ₹4,000 will be a voluntary feature in new cars. However, plans are in motion to eventually make V2V technology mandatory across all vehicle categories, including cars, trucks, and buses.

Disclaimer:This content is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute investment, financial, or trading advice, nor a recommendation to buy or sell any securities. Readers should consult a SEBI-registered advisor before making investment decisions, as markets involve risk and past performance does not guarantee future results. The publisher and authors accept no liability for any losses. Some content may be AI-generated and may contain errors; accuracy and completeness are not guaranteed. Views expressed do not reflect the publication’s editorial stance.