Crackdown on sleeper buses in Delhi, Rajasthan after India Today safety expose

Authorities in Delhi and Rajasthan moved swiftly to crack down on unsafe sleeper buses after an India Today report exposed widespread violations of their safety norms across major cities, triggering midnight raids, seizures and challans.

The India Today investigation, conducted in Delhi, Lucknow, Chandigarh, Bhopal and Jaipur, revealed alarming lapses in sleeper coach buses, including emergency exits blocked by seats or luggage, obstructed windows, missing fire extinguishers and the absence of basic safety equipment.

The expose came against the backdrop of a series of fatal bus fire incidents across the country, raising serious concerns over passenger safety.

Other states like Punjab and Uttar Pradesh said they took note of the India Today report and vowed stringent action against sleeper buses flouting safety norms.

CRACKDOWN ON BUSES IN DELHI

In Delhi, the government launched a late-night crackdown under what officials termed “Operation Deadly Permit” after the India Today expose on sleeper buses.

Transport Minister Pankaj Singh said the department acted within hours of the expose. “We saw the news at 10 pm and action was taken at around midnight,” he said.

He said about one-and-a-half dozen buses were impounded during checks at Mori Gate, Rajokri border, Mayur Vihar and ISBT areas, where safety standards were found to be openly flouted.

RAIDS IN JAIPUR

In Rajasthan, the impact of the India Today report was visible on the ground. The state Transport Department’s vigilance teams carried out extensive raids across Jaipur, issuing challans and seizing dozens of buses found violating safety norms.

The India Today report showed how emergency gates were deceptively marked but rendered unusable, fire cylinders and safety hammers were missing, and corridors were choked with luggage.

On one bus travelling from Ahmedabad to Jaipur, luggage was stacked at the emergency gate, while seats were installed at the other exit, completely blocking escape routes. The bus, belonging to Parsvanath Travels, was seized after passengers were disembarked.

Another bus coming from Bhuj to Jaipur was found with seats installed in front of both emergency gates and was challaned. Several other buses were seized from Jaipur’s Sindhi Camp area, where emergency exits were visible from outside but blocked inside by sleeper berths. Illegal roof structures on buses were also demolished during the drive.

PUNJAB AND UP VOW ACTION

In Punjab, Transport Minister Laljit Singh Bhullar said his department had been instructed to immediately check for sleeper buses flouting safety norms and take strict action.

“India Today did a reality check. After accidents in sleeper buses, rules were issued mandating four emergency exits, two fire extinguishers, fire protection systems and other safety measures. Despite this, some buses are still violating the rules,” Bhullar said.

“We will issue challans and, if needed, these buses will definitely be stopped. The most important thing is the lives of the people, and we will not let them be played with,” he added.

Uttar Pradesh Transport Minister Daya Shankar Singh said the department had taken note of the report and promised strict action against violators.

“We have seen the report on India Today and action will be taken in this matter. Action has been taken consistently in the past, whether it involves seizing buses or suspending ARTOs in Rae Bareli, Lucknow and other locations,” Singh said.

“If any bus is found to be non-compliant, we will conduct an investigation within a few days and then take action against such buses on the ground. No one has the right to risk anyone’s life,” he added.

CENTRE TIGHTEN NORMS ON SLEEPER BUSES

The Centre, meanwhile, has already tightened regulations regarding sleeper buses. Road Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari recently announced that sleeper buses can now be built only by automobile companies or manufacturers accredited by the central government, effectively banning local and manual body builders from constructing such buses.

Existing sleeper buses have been directed to retrofit critical safety features, including fire detection systems, emergency lighting, driver drowsiness alert systems (ADAS), emergency exits and safety hammers.

- Ends

(with inputs from Devinder)