Govt Tightens Sleeper Bus Norms After Fire Incidents

12 Jan 2026 CW Team

The Bus Body Code of India, AIS-052, continues to be mandatory for safety, structural integrity and design standards for all bus bodies manufactured in the country. The revised code has been in force since September 1, 2025.

According to the ministry, the new measures address safety gaps observed in recent accidents, including the use of flammable interior materials, blocked or narrow exits, faulty emergency windows, absence of fire safety equipment, limited evacuation time and inadequately trained crew.

Gadkari also said he has written to the Rajasthan government seeking action against state transport officials who permitted self-certification by manual bus body builders, a practice the Centre believes compromises safety compliance.

The updated regulations are intended to improve uniformity, accountability and passenger safety in the sleeper coach segment by enforcing tighter manufacturing controls and mandatory safety retrofits.

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