India's Bus Safety Crisis: A Pattern of Neglect

Strategic Insights -

The recent spate of fires aboard sleeper buses in India has raised serious questions about the safety of a mode of transport relied upon by millions of Indians daily. Despite official safety standards being upgraded, a lack of implementation on bus operators' part and regulatory authorities' lack of interest in making bus owners comply has led to a culture of neglect, where passengers are forced to take their lives in their hands every time they board a private bus.

Key Takeaways:

  • Over the past seven years, there have been at least seven major fires on buses that killed over 130 people, highlighting the alarming lack of safety measures on Indian roads.
  • Private buses are a popular choice for passengers due to the scarcity of state-run intercity buses, despite their high risk profile.
  • Around 78% of bus operators manage fleets of fewer than five buses, leading to intense competition and a focus on cutting costs, which compromises safety measures.
  • The most common causes of bus fires include road accidents, illegal electrical modifications, interior materials and layouts that feed fire, blocked or narrow exits, and poorly-trained staff.
  • Many buses on Indian roads pre-date safety legislations, with bus owners accused of not retrofitting existing vehicles to meet the latest norms due to costs.
  • A lax monitoring system allows bus owners to dodge local taxes and regulatory norms, with fitness certificates being routinely renewed with token checks.
  • The use of contract carriage permits by private buses allows them to operate on lucrative inter-state routes without adhering to strict safety standards.

Statistics:

  • At least 130 people have been killed in bus fires over the past seven years.
  • 78% of bus operators manage fleets of fewer than five buses.
  • Over 101,908 state-run intercity buses declined to 97,165 between 2022 and 2025.
  • 20 people were killed in a bus fire in Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh, on October 24, while 26 lives were lost in a similar incident in Thaiyat village, Rajasthan, on October 14.

Sources:

  • TOI - Vikrantt Mohan, president of the All-India Automobile Workshop Association
  • TOI - Official from the Telangana Road Transport Authority
  • TOI - State's health minister
  • European Union regulations on long-distance coaches
  • United States Department of Transportation regulations on buses
  • Australian safety guidelines for coaches