The alarming frequency of fatal accidents involving sleeper buses in India, resulting in 46 deaths within a single week, necessitates an immediate and comprehensive review of safety standards. Recent fiery incidents in Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana have exposed a critical failure to protect passengers on long-distance routes, transforming popular travel options into potential death traps.
A devastating fire that erupted on a sleeper bus traveling from Jaisalmer claimed 26 lives. This tragedy was tragically mirrored a week later in Andhra Pradesh, where a road accident involving a sleeper bus and a motorcycle resulted in 20 fatalities. These repeated incidents highlight profound issues within the sector.
Investigations point towards a significant breakdown in regulatory oversight and a problematic relationship between bus operators, body builders, and transport offices. The standard practice involves bus owners acquiring chassis and then contracting independent builders for the vehicle’s body. This decentralised approach often leads to non-compliance with vital safety standards like AIS 052 and 119, which mandate specific design and safety features.
Consequences of this lax oversight are severe. Buses may be overloaded with extra seats, blocking emergency exits, and often lack essential safety equipment like fire extinguishers. The construction materials themselves pose a risk, with flammable composites frequently used instead of robust steel. Internal cabin designs, featuring rigid compartments and non-fire-retardant curtains, can accelerate the spread of flames, leading to rapid and catastrophic fires.
Furthermore, allegations suggest that some body builders, in collusion with authorities, modify buses with extra fuel tanks to meet operational demands, disregarding inherent safety risks. Unlike electric buses, which are typically built entirely by OEMs and adhere to standards, traditional sleeper buses present a persistent safety concern. Organizations are collaborating with government bodies to pinpoint the most dangerous routes and improve overall road safety infrastructure.