Sleeper coach buses will henceforth only be manufactured by automobile companies or facilities specifically accredited by the Central Government, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari announced on Thursday. This decision aims to curb the rising number of fire accidents involving these vehicles.

The government has also announced that the sleeper coach buses currently in operation must be retrofitted with mandatory safety features, including fire detection systems, emergency lighting, and driver drowsiness indicators. Additionally, all existing units must be equipped with emergency exits and hammers to ensure passenger safety.

Sleeper coach buses have been involved in six major fire accidents over the last six months alone. These tragic incidents have resulted in the loss of 145 lives, prompting the government to take immediate regulatory action.