**Title:** Centre Takes Tough Stance on Sleeper Bus Safety Violations
**Meta Description:** With 145 lives lost in sleeper bus accidents, the Centre warns operators of strict penalties for safety violations and emphasizes the need for better enforcement.
**URL Slug:** sleeper-bus-safety-violations
**Headline:** Centre Intensifies Measures Against Sleeper Bus Safety Violations Amid Rising Fatalities
In the past four months, nearly 145 lives have been lost in sleeper bus accidents, prompting the Centre to adopt a stringent approach towards safety violations. Officials have issued stern warnings to both operators and manufacturers, indicating that lapses in safety will no longer be tolerated, and repeat offenders will face removal from the roads.
V. Umashankar, Secretary of the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, highlighted the critical nature of sleeper bus safety, stating that recent analyses of accidents have revealed systemic failures in manufacturing, fitness testing, and enforcement. “When it comes to the lives of people, enforcement of rules on the ground has to be tight,” he emphasized, insisting that those who violate safety norms must face severe consequences, including license cancellations and operational bans.
**Manufacturing Under Scrutiny**
One of the primary concerns raised by the Ministry is the construction of sleeper buses. Umashankar stressed the need for thorough examinations to ensure that safety regulations are adhered to during the manufacturing process. To address these issues, a new Bus Body Code was implemented on October 1, 2025, mandating that all newly registered buses comply with stricter design and safety standards aimed at reducing risks, such as susceptibility to fires. However, given the alarming increase in fatalities, the Ministry is contemplating even more rigorous measures.
Umashankar announced that the government plans to restrict bus manufacturing to Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) only, a move designed to eliminate unauthorized fabrication practices that jeopardize passenger safety.
**Fitness Testing Failures**
Another significant issue identified by the Ministry pertains to lapses in fitness testing and enforcement by state authorities. Referring to a tragic sleeper bus fire in Rajasthan, Umashankar noted that the incident revealed serious deficiencies in the system. “There was a big failure in fitness testing in this case,” he remarked, explaining that unauthorized modifications were made by the bus owner even after the vehicle had passed mandatory checks.
To enhance the integrity of fitness testing, Union Road Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari has recommended that state transport ministers automate the process to minimize human intervention and improve transparency. Officials believe that automated systems will be more effective in detecting unsafe modifications and mechanical issues before vehicles are approved for long-distance travel.
**Alterations After Certification**
The third concern involves unauthorized changes made to buses after fitness certificates have been issued. Citing a sleeper bus accident in Andhra Pradesh, Umashankar indicated that investigations revealed multiple modifications made post-certification. “This points to the need for stricter compliance with the established regulations and more vigilant enforcement by state authorities and police,” he stated.
In conclusion, the Centre’s intensified focus on sleeper bus safety underscores the urgent need for comprehensive reforms in manufacturing, testing, and enforcement practices. As the government moves forward with these measures, the hope is to significantly reduce the risk of accidents and protect the lives of passengers.
**FAQ**
**What measures is the government taking to improve sleeper bus safety?**
The government is implementing stricter manufacturing regulations, automating fitness testing, and enforcing penalties for unauthorized modifications to enhance sleeper bus safety.
