Gadkari unveils safety overhaul for sleeper buses to curb accidents

Nitin Gadkari mandates seat belts, structural upgrades, and fire exits in sleeper buses to boost passenger safety and cut accident risks

Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari has announced a series of new safety provisions for sleeper buses across India, aiming to reduce the alarming number of accidents involving long-distance passenger vehicles. The move comes in response to growing concerns about the vulnerability of passengers who travel lying down in sleeper berths, a design that has traditionally lacked adequate safety measures. Gadkari emphasized that passenger safety must remain the highest priority and that the new rules will compel bus manufacturers and operators to adopt stronger standards. 

Among the most significant changes is the mandatory installation of seat belts for sleeper berths, a measure that has rarely been enforced in the past. The ministry has also directed that structural designs of sleeper coaches be upgraded to withstand collisions, ensuring passengers are not exposed to heightened risks during accidents. Fire safety has been given equal importance, with requirements for standardized emergency exits, extinguishers, and improved evacuation protocols. These steps are intended to address recurring tragedies where passengers have been trapped inside buses during fires or crashes. 

India continues to record one of the highest road accident rates globally, with buses contributing substantially to fatalities. Sleeper coaches, popular for overnight travel, have been particularly criticized for their lack of safety features compared to regular seating buses. Gadkari’s announcement reflects his broader campaign to overhaul road safety norms, which includes stricter vehicle standards, awareness drives, and penalties for non-compliance. The ministry has made it clear that enforcement will be tightened, and operators who fail to meet the new requirements will face consequences. 

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While the reforms have been welcomed by safety advocates, challenges remain in implementation. Smaller operators may struggle with the costs of retrofitting older buses, and manufacturers will need to adapt quickly to the new design standards. However, the government insists that the long-term benefits of saving lives outweigh the financial concerns. The initiative is expected to set a new benchmark for passenger safety in public transport, signaling a shift toward accountability and modernization in India’s road travel sector. 

By mandating these provisions, Gadkari has underscored the urgency of addressing systemic flaws in sleeper bus design and has taken a decisive step toward making India’s highways safer for millions of passengers. 

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