Patna: The Bihar Transport Minister, Shrawan Kumar, has issued strict guidelines regarding the operation, construction, and modification of sleeper buses in the state. The move comes after complaints received during inspections, particularly on routes from Katihar, revealed that several buses registered as seater buses were running in mixed seater-sleeper configurations, violating safety norms.
Strict Action on Unauthorized Modifications
Minister Shrawan Kumar warned that any seater bus found operating as a sleeper bus will have its permit immediately canceled. He emphasized that such practices violate the Central Motor Vehicle Rules, 1989 (Rule 126), and standards AIS-119 and AIS-052. Only buses manufactured, inspected, and operated in compliance with these standards will be allowed on state and interstate routes.
The guidelines specify that every sleeper bus must have:
- Certified prototype approval by an inspection agency
- Emergency exits
- Standard berth size of 1800mm length and 600mm width
- Fire-resistant materials
Fitness certificates and permits will now only be issued after verifying the bus’s actual body configuration.
Read also: Bihar PACS Empower Villages with 300 Services, Generate ₹5 Crore Through Common Service Centers
Concerns Over Safety on Interstate Routes
The Transport Minister noted that several overnight buses from Bihar are operating on interstate routes, such as Katihar to Siliguri, under AC seater permits but modified into sleeper configurations. Such modifications increase the risk of fire, overloading, and blocked emergency exits. Authorities will take strict action against operators, RTO officials, or any responsible personnel found violating these rules.
Only Certified Manufacturers Allowed to Build Sleeper Buses
Following recent fire incidents in sleeper buses, the government has mandated that only authorized automobile companies or factories approved by the central government can manufacture sleeper coaches. Local or unauthorized body builders are no longer permitted to construct sleeper buses.
New safety requirements include:
- Mandatory fire detection systems in all sleeper buses
- AI-based sensors and drowsiness indicators for drivers, which trigger alarms if the driver falls asleep
- Emergency exit hammers, lights, clear exit doors, and multi-point exit access
Existing sleeper buses will also need retrofitting with fire detection systems, emergency hammers, emergency lighting, and driver drowsiness alert systems.
Notable Sleeper Bus Operators in Bihar
Some of the sleeper bus services operating in the state include:
- Shubham Luxury Bus Service
- Narayani Travels
- Krishna Rath
- Rajdhani Bus Service
- Tejas Travel
Compliance with AIS Standards
All sleeper buses in Bihar must comply with AIS-052 (bus body code) and AIS-119 (specific to sleeper buses) to ensure passenger safety and regulatory compliance.
This crackdown aims to enhance passenger safety, prevent accidents due to unauthorized modifications, and bring all sleeper buses under strict government supervision.
