Former ARAI Director Raises Alarm Over Safety of Private Sleeper Buses Following Lucknow Accident
In the aftermath of a recent bus accident in Lucknow, serious concerns have resurfaced regarding the safety standards of privately operated sleeper buses across India. Former director of the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI), Balraj Bhanot, has issued a stark warning, highlighting that a widespread lack of regulatory compliance and proper approvals is significantly elevating risks for passengers.
Unregulated Conversions and Inadequate Approvals
Balraj Bhanot, in an exclusive conversation with TOI, revealed that numerous private bus operators are converting conventional buses into sleeper coaches without adhering to prescribed safety standards. "There is no robust approval system being followed in many such cases," Bhanot emphasized. "These vehicles must comply with defined structural and safety norms, especially those applicable to double-decker and sleeper configurations."
He pointed out that while Regional Transport Offices (RTOs) are officially tasked with vehicle registration and compliance verification, the effectiveness of these inspections is frequently inconsistent and unreliable.
Gaps in RTO Scrutiny and Passenger Vulnerability
Bhanot elaborated on the critical shortcomings in the current system, stating, "The RTO is expected to verify whether a bus meets all required standards. However, passengers have no way of knowing whether these checks were carried out thoroughly." This lack of transparency leaves commuters vulnerable, as they board vehicles that may not have undergone rigorous safety assessments.
The former ARAI chief strongly advocated for a fundamental shift in the approval process. He proposed that all such vehicles should be mandatorily certified by government-recognized testing agencies, such as ARAI in Pune and the International Centre for Automotive Technology (ICAT) in Manesar, rather than relying solely on RTO clearances.
Call for Mandatory Certification from Authorized Agencies
"Approval from certified testing bodies ensures that the vehicle design meets Automotive Industry Standards (AIS), such as AIS-052 for buses," Bhanot explained. He was unequivocal in his recommendation: "Operators should not be allowed to run vehicles unless they are certified by authorized agencies."
Bhanot added that accidents often occur when operators bypass these essential norms, prioritizing cost-cutting over passenger safety. The absence of stringent enforcement and mandatory certifications creates an environment where substandard vehicles remain on the roads, posing continuous threats to public safety.
This warning comes at a crucial time, urging regulatory bodies to enhance oversight and implement stricter compliance measures to prevent future tragedies and ensure the well-being of all bus passengers.
