Bus Fire Tragedies Expose Glaring Safety Gaps in 2025; Enforcement Crucial

• Multiple bus fire incidents in 2025 across Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh, and Karnataka killed dozens, revealing critical passenger safety failures.
• Private sleeper buses, especially during festive travel, are prone to dangers due to flammable interiors, blocked exits, and lack of safety gear.
• India updated its bus code (AIS 052, AIS 153, AIS 119) in September 2025 for safer construction, but illegal modifications persist, as seen in the Kurnool incident.
• Union Minister Nitin Gadkari highlighted illegal modifications and fake logos, emphasizing that new codes mandate fire safety for all buses.
• Weak enforcement by state transport departments, lack of awareness, and inaccessible emergency exits contribute to high casualties, demanding decisive action.

Why It Matters: Updated bus safety rules are ineffective without strict enforcement against illegal modifications and unsafe buses.