India’s Sleeper Bus Safety Crisis Deepens After Fatal Fires: Experts Call for Nationwide Ban

A series of deadly fires involving long-distance sleeper buses — most recently in Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh, and Jaisalmer, Rajasthan — has reignited nationwide concern over the alarming gaps in India’s public transport safety regime. Experts warn that these tragedies are symptomatic of larger, systemic failures rather than isolated accidents, pointing to lax regulations, illegal modifications, and chronic enforcement corruption.

India’s baseline safety framework for buses is outlined in the Central Motor Vehicle Rules and the Automotive Industry Standards (AIS-119 and AIS-052), which specify strict requirements for sleeper coaches. These include multiple emergency exits, fire detection and suppression systems, fire-retardant interiors, designated berth measurements, and a minimum 450 mm-wide central walkway to allow swift evacuation. Safety hammers and roof hatches are also mandatory features.

Yet, despite these rules, most sleeper buses on the road — especially older ones — do not meet these standards. Specialists argue that the very design of multi-level sleeper berths creates cramped evacuation spaces, a flaw recognised by several countries that have already barred such configurations. India, however, continues to permit them, and thousands of existing buses remain exempt from modern safety upgrades.

One of the biggest contributors to the crisis is the flourishing practice of illegal body fabrication. Many operators purchase standard seater bus chassis, register them legally, and then convert them into sleeper buses at unauthorised workshops. These modifications often prioritise maximum berth count over structural integrity or passenger safety, sidestepping the engineering checks required for balanced weight distribution and verified emergency access points.

Compounding the issue is an enforcement mechanism widely criticised for corruption. Fitness Certificates — the official approval of a vehicle’s roadworthiness — are routinely issued despite glaring safety lapses. Inspections often overlook sealed or blocked emergency exits, the use of highly flammable upholstery, and non-functional fire safety equipment. Operators also engage in “forum shopping,” registering buses in states with lower safety scrutiny and tax burdens.

This recurring danger is closely tied to India’s socio-economic landscape. With millions migrating from rural areas to major cities, especially during festivals or seasonal travel peaks, demand for long-distance mobility far exceeds the capacity of trains and state-run buses. Private operators dominate these routes, charging steep fares and leaving passengers — especially migrant workers — with no option but to travel in unsafe sleeper coaches.

Experts argue that beyond fire risks, sleeper buses are inefficient for high-rush seasons because they accommodate fewer passengers than semi-sleeper seated buses, which are easier to evacuate and structurally safer. Replacing sleeper designs with semi-sleeper fleets would not only enhance safety but also expand overall passenger capacity, reducing fare exploitation during peak travel.

Transport specialists and safety advocates are now urging the government to prohibit multi-bunk sleeper buses that cannot ensure safe evacuation, citing China’s precedent. They also recommend dismantling the current RTO approval system and introducing mandatory third-party certification for all bus types.

As investigations continue, the tragedies serve as a stark reminder: affordable and safe public transport is a fundamental need, and no passenger should have to risk their life simply to travel home.