Govt issues safety norms for pvt buses

In an effort to ensure safety and minimise accidents involving buses, all private buses plying in Karnataka will be issued conditional approval by the government.

The move comes in the wake of several reports submitted to the Transport department, in the aftermath of two back-to-back Volvo accidents. 

Among the 30-odd directions proposed are those made in the interim report of National Automotive Testing and R&D Infrastructure Project (NATRiP), based on the experience of drivers.

 These include proper signages inside the bus, technical aspects like height and width of bus interiors, interior design aspects like width of gangway and material to be used. Details of fuel tank positioning have also been included in the government order. 

The department is also laying down stringent conditions on number of drivers to be hired for every bus route and providing better driving conditions for them.

Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy said the department has sent a detailed list of recommendations to the Principal Secretary for examination and formulation of proper instructions to private bus operators. Transport department Principal Secretary, P Ravi Kumar said only those conditions laid down by Transport Commissioner are being implemented.

“Subsequent to the meeting with bus owners we have issued safety instructions. The buses have to be fitted with emergency doors, for which three months time has been given.” On NATRiP report implementation, Kumar said the report is yet to be taken into account as their recommendations are not yet finalised.