Government Restricts Sleeper Bus Production to Accredited Manufacturers After Fatal Fires

The central government has announced strict regulations for sleeper coach bus manufacturing, restricting production to automobile companies and facilities accredited by the Centre, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari announced Thursday.

The decision follows a concerning trend of fire accidents involving sleeper coaches. In the last six months, six such incidents have claimed 145 lives, prompting authorities to implement immediate safety measures.

Mandatory Retrofitting Requirements

Existing sleeper coach buses must be retrofitted with comprehensive safety equipment, including fire detection systems, emergency exits equipped with hammers, emergency lighting, and driver drowsiness indicators. These modifications aim to address critical safety gaps identified in recent accident investigations.

Regulatory Framework

The bus body code of India, AIS-052, serves as the mandatory standard specifying safety, structural, and design requirements for all bus bodies constructed in the country. This standard was introduced to regulate what was previously an unorganised bus body-building sector and ensure uniformity in construction while improving passenger and driver safety.

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways implemented the revised Bus Body Code from September 1, 2025, tightening compliance requirements for manufacturers.

Recent fire incidents have revealed recurring safety deficiencies across sleeper coach operations. Common issues include flammable interior materials, blocked or inadequately sized exits, missing or malfunctioning emergency windows, absence of fire safety equipment, insufficient evacuation time, and inadequately trained staff.

Minister Gadkari stated he has written to the Rajasthan government requesting action against state transport ministry officials who permitted self-certification for manual bus body builders. This practice allowed non-accredited manufacturers to operate without proper oversight, potentially compromising safety standards.

The new regulations represent a significant shift in India's bus manufacturing sector, prioritizing passenger safety through centralized accreditation and enhanced safety requirements.