Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, has announced that no sleeper bus will be registered without a mandatory fire safety inspection. The decision comes in the wake of increasing concerns over the safety of sleeper buses, which have been involved in several fatal accidents due to fires.
New Safety Mandate for Sleeper Buses
Gadkari emphasized that the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways is committed to ensuring the highest safety standards for passenger vehicles. He stated that the registration of sleeper buses will only be permitted after they pass a comprehensive fire safety inspection. The minister also urged bus manufacturers to modernize their facilities and adopt new technologies to meet the required safety standards.
Call for Modernization
Addressing a gathering of industry stakeholders, Gadkari said, "Manufacturers must upgrade their production processes and incorporate advanced fire-resistant materials and systems. This is not just a regulatory requirement but a moral obligation to protect lives." He highlighted that the government is working closely with the automotive industry to develop and implement these safety measures.
Impact on Bus Operators
Bus operators and fleet owners will need to ensure that their vehicles comply with the new norms. The ministry has indicated that a transition period will be provided to allow operators to retrofit existing buses with fire safety equipment. However, new buses will be subject to the inspection from the date of the notification.
Industry Reaction
The announcement has been welcomed by safety advocates and passenger rights groups. They have long demanded stricter regulations for sleeper buses, which are popular for overnight travel but have been criticized for inadequate safety features. Manufacturers, on the other hand, have expressed concerns about the cost implications but have assured compliance with the new standards.
Gadkari concluded by stating that the government will not compromise on safety and that similar measures may be extended to other categories of public transport vehicles in the future.
