Jamshedpur Transport Department Intensifies Safety Drive Against Sleeper Buses
In a significant move to enhance passenger safety, the East Singhbhum district transport department has launched a rigorous crackdown on sleeper buses that are violating the safety norms established by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways. This initiative aims to ensure strict compliance with government regulations designed to protect commuters on long-distance routes.
Widespread Safety Violations Uncovered
District Transport Officer (DTO) Dhananjay reported that during the drive, 17 sleeper buses were identified as flouting critical safety regulations. The inspections revealed alarming deficiencies, including emergency gates that were completely obstructed by luggage in most buses, compromising evacuation routes in case of emergencies. Additionally, many buses failed to meet the required standards for berths and gangways, which are essential for passenger comfort and safety during travel.
Further violations included the absence of fire safety equipment, such as fire cylinders, and safety hammers, which are crucial for emergency situations. Some buses were also found with illegal carriers mounted on their roofs, posing additional risks to structural integrity and road safety.
Official Actions and Operator Responses
In response to these findings, the transport department issued formal notices to the bus operators, mandating immediate modifications to bring the vehicles in line with established design and safety provisions. DTO Dhananjay emphasized that failure to comply would result in penal actions, underscoring the department's commitment to enforcing regulations.
"Bus owners have committed to making the necessary modifications within 15 days to align with the regulations," stated DTO Dhananjay. He clarified that this checking drive was conducted in accordance with government directives, highlighting the proactive approach taken by authorities to address safety concerns.
Scope and Future of the Safety Drive
All 17 buses identified in the crackdown operate from the Inter State Bus Depot at Bhuyadih in Sakchi, Jamshedpur. The random inspections of long-distance buses commenced on Saturday and are set to intensify in the coming days. A joint team comprising traffic police and transport officials will spearhead these efforts to ensure comprehensive monitoring and enforcement.
DTO Dhananjay stressed the importance of structural integrity, safety, and passenger comfort in sleeper buses, noting that these elements are mandatory for operators to uphold. "Compliance with safety standards is non-negotiable for the well-being of passengers," he added.
Impact on Regional Transport Network
Jamshedpur serves as a key hub for sleeper bus operations, with over 70 buses connecting the city to adjoining states such as Bihar, West Bengal, Odisha, and Chhattisgarh, as well as to Visakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh and various towns within Jharkhand. This drive is expected to have a broad impact on the regional transport network, promoting safer travel conditions across these routes.
The ongoing initiative reflects a broader commitment to improving public transportation safety and ensuring that operators adhere to regulatory standards, ultimately safeguarding the lives of countless commuters who rely on these services for inter-state travel.
