India Reconsiders Sleeper Buses Amid Growing Safety Concerns

By Jony Shekhawat | Published Date : November 24, 2025

A rising debate calls for safer long-distance travel as unsafe sleeper buses come under scrutiny.

Sleeper buses were once simple and cheap night travel for many Indians, but recent accidents and weak safety checks are now raising big worries. As modern buses, electric buses and safer long-route options grow in the country, people are asking if old-style sleeper coaches should still run on Indian roads.

Old Comfort, New Problems

Table Of Contents

1. Old Comfort, New Problems

2. Missing Safety in Real Conditions

3. Experts Calling It Unsafe Design

4. Rules Exist, But Enforcement Weak

5. Social Angle Behind the Problem

6. New Bus Trends Changing Market

7. Why Phase-Out Looks Like the Only Option

8. Time for Real Action

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For years, sleeper buses looked like an easy way to travel long distances. You lie down, save money, and reach quickly. But after the incidents in Kurnool and Jaisalmer, the whole discussion has changed. These were not random cases. Many reports say the design of these buses has deep issues—poor structure, weak rules and no proper checks.

Missing Safety in Real Conditions

India already has rules like AIS-052 and AIS-119. These rules say sleeper buses must have emergency exits, fire-safe interiors, roof hatches and clear escape paths. But on the ground, many buses don’t follow these things. A lot of operators take normal seater buses and convert them into sleeper ones in small workshops. In these conversions, they sometimes block exits, put extra bunks, use flammable sheets, and leave no space for escape.

Some buses even have windows that cannot be broken during a fire. Narrow passages make evacuation slow. In simple words, people get stuck inside.

Experts Calling It Unsafe Design

A few transport experts are openly calling these buses extremely risky. Former IOC chairman Shrikant M. Vaidya even said these are “death traps by design.” According to him, some sleeper buses should not be repaired or improved—they should be removed from service.

Many countries changed their rules, too. China even banned multi-bunk sleeper buses in 2012. India is now facing the same question as people demand safer buses, electric buses, school buses and even more regulated Tata buses for long trips.

Rules Exist, But Enforcement Weak

India has rules, but the checking system is weak. Some buses get approvals through local RTO networks without proper inspections. Many sleeper buses on the road are not even third-party certified.

The International Road Federation also raised concerns, saying many sleeper buses use flammable interiors, have blocked exits and have no fire safety tools. They want strict inspections and proper design checks before any bus runs on the highway.

Social Angle Behind the Problem

The issue is also connected to India’s migrant workers. Many low-income people travel long distances in sleeper buses because they cannot afford premium coaches. They don’t have a choice even if the bus is unsafe.

Also, sleeper buses carry fewer passengers because of the bunk design. So during festivals or busy seasons, fares go high but safety stays low. The same design that looks comfortable becomes a big danger during accidents.

New Bus Trends Changing Market

People’s travel choices are slowly changing. Modern AC-seated buses with better fire systems, driver monitoring and stability control are becoming popular. Some new electric buses and long-route Tata buses also come with improved safety technology.

Regulators and investors, too are pushing for strong inspection rules. Public debate is growing about whether unsafe sleeper buses should stay on the roads anymore.

Why Phase-Out Looks Like the Only Option

Many experts now believe unsafe sleeper buses should be removed step by step. A phase-out can include:

• Only allowing factory-built certified sleeper coaches
• Stopping illegal conversions completely
• Mandatory third-party safety checks
• Helping operators shift to safer buses
• Heavy fines for unsafe vehicles
• Basic passenger awareness about exits and fire tools

Time for Real Action

Sleeper bus safety is no longer a small issue; it is about saving lives. When repeated accidents happen, it clearly means something is wrong in the system. If India wants safer long-distance travel, it must decide which buses are fit and which ones should retire. Only then can buses, electric buses, Eicher school buses and all other travel options be trusted for safe journeys.

Also Read: Piaggio Launches Ape Xtra 600 and Ape Xtra Bada 700 in India

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Frequently Asked Questions Commercial Vehicles

Q1. Why are sleeper buses facing safety complaints now?

Ans. Recent accidents and reports of unsafe designs, blocked exits, and weak fire safety systems have raised concerns about sleeper buses across India.

Q2. What safety norms apply to sleeper buses in India?

Ans. Sleeper buses must follow AIS-052 and AIS-119 rules, which require emergency exits, roof hatches, fire-retardant interiors and proper safety equipment.

Q3. Why do experts want unsafe sleeper buses phased out?

Ans. Experts say many buses are converted illegally, lack safety certification, and trap passengers during emergencies, making them unfit for long-distance travel.

Q4. What alternatives are becoming popular for safe travel?

Ans. Premium AC buses, modern safety-equipped coaches, and new electric buses are gaining popularity as safer and more reliable long-distance travel options.

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