New Delhi: The Allahabad High Court has sought a response from the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) over sleeper bus safety following a deadly bus fire near Jewar on the Yamuna Expressway. The incident, which occurred on September 23–24, 2026, claimed nine lives. The court has asked the authorities to explain what steps are being taken to improve passenger safety and ensure that sleeper buses follow required safety standards.
Yamuna Expressway Bus Fire: Allahabad High Court Seeks MoRTH Response
The Allahabad High Court issued notice to the Secretary of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways in a suo motu case concerning the fatal Yamuna Expressway bus fire.
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A bench led by Justice Saurabh Shyam Shamshery passed the order after reviewing affidavits submitted by Uttar Pradesh police and transport officials. The court also considered suggestions from Senior Advocate Tanuj Agarwal, who assisted the court as an amicus curiae. An amicus curiae is a person who helps a court by providing information and legal assistance.
Details of Yamuna Expressway Bus Fire Case
The case relates to a sleeper bus fire near Jewar on the Yamuna Expressway during the night of September 23–24, 2026. Nine passengers lost their lives in the incident. The tragedy raised serious questions about sleeper bus safety, fire prevention systems and the enforcement of vehicle safety rules.
The High Court is examining whether the existing safety checks and enforcement measures are sufficient to prevent similar accidents in the future.
Yamuna Expressway Bus Fire: Court Questions Enforcement Of Bus Safety Rules
The Uttar Pradesh government informed the court that authorities had taken action against buses operating in violation of transport rules.
According to the State’s affidavit, officials checked 7,665 buses and impounded 1,008 between April and September 2026. However, the court observed that more work was still needed to improve enforcement.
The State also explained that Automatic Testing Stations (ATS) are registered and operated under MoRTH. ATS facilities located in other states are not under the direct control of the Uttar Pradesh Transport Department.
MoRTH Asked To Ensure Compliance With Safety Standards
The State government said that directions from MoRTH were needed to ensure strict compliance with the applicable Automotive Industry Standards. These include AIS-119, which covers sleeper coach specifications, and AIS-135, which deals with fire detection and suppression systems.
The standards are important for improving passenger safety and reducing the risks associated with fires in sleeper buses. The High Court recorded the State’s request to implement the necessary directions through the Union Transport Ministry’s Secretary. It issued notice to the Secretary of MoRTH and directed that a copy of the case file be served on the Additional Solicitor General of India.
Uttar Pradesh Reports Sleeper Bus Permit Details
The State’s affidavit also provided details about sleeper bus permits issued by the Uttar Pradesh Transport Department. According to the affidavit, the department issued 252 sleeper bus permits in 2023, 340 in 2024, 610 in 2025 and 1,104 permits up to September 2026.
The State said that sleeper buses must meet the required standards before receiving All India Tourist Permits. During registration or inspection, an authorised officer checks the vehicle’s fitness and issues a fitness certificate with a validity period. A permit application can be approved only if the fitness certificate is valid.
No Fixed Checking Points On Uttar Pradesh Borders
The State government also informed the court that Uttar Pradesh had not established permanent checking points along its borders. Instead, surprise checks and enforcement teams are used to inspect vehicles and identify violations.
The issue is important because effective monitoring can help authorities detect unsafe buses and prevent vehicles that do not meet the required standards from carrying passengers. However, the High Court indicated that stronger and more effective enforcement was necessary.
Court Highlights Fire Safety And Emergency Measures
In an earlier hearing, the High Court had taken suo motu cognisance of the fatal bus fire. It expressed concern that air-conditioned sleeper buses appeared to be operating without proper checks and adequate safety safeguards.
The court examined relevant Automotive Industry Standards, including AIS-052 on general bus body design, AIS-119 on sleeper coach specifications and AIS-135 on fire detection and suppression systems.
These requirements cover several important safety features, including emergency exits, restrictions on vehicle height, automatic fire suppression systems and driver drowsiness alert systems. Such measures can help passengers escape during an emergency and allow fires to be detected and controlled more quickly.
High Court Seeks A Consolidated Safety Proposal
In its latest observations, the High Court said it hoped the State government would consider the suggestions submitted by the amicus curiae and prepare a consolidated proposal.
The aim is to prevent similar accidents and improve the safety of sleeper buses operating on highways. The court also suggested that the proposal should include effective ways to check modified buses, as unauthorised or unsafe modifications can create additional risks.
Next Hearing Date
The matter is scheduled to be heard next on November 17, 2026. The proceedings will continue to examine the steps required from the State government and the Union Transport Ministry to improve sleeper bus safety and compliance with the applicable standards. The case could lead to further directions on inspections, fire safety equipment and enforcement against buses that fail to meet mandatory requirements.
FAQs
The case discusses AIS-119, which covers sleeper coach specifications, and AIS-135, which covers fire detection and suppression systems. The court also examined AIS-052, which deals with general bus body design.
The Allahabad High Court sought a response from the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways after a sleeper bus fire near Jewar on the Yamuna Expressway killed nine people. The court is examining bus safety standards and enforcement measures.
The Allahabad High Court has scheduled the next hearing for November 17, 2026. The case concerns sleeper bus safety, compliance with vehicle standards and measures to prevent similar accidents.
