Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, Jan 10: Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, on Thursday announced a set of stringent safety regulations for sleeper buses aimed at preventing accidents and protecting passengers’ lives.
In a video address, Gadkari stated that going forward, only accredited automobile companies will be allowed to manufacture sleeper coach buses. He emphasized that the central government will oversee the accreditation of bus manufacturing facilities to ensure compliance with safety standards.
Under the new rules, existing sleeper buses will need to be retrofitted with essential safety features, including fire detection systems, emergency exits equipped with hammers, emergency lighting, and driver drowsiness alert systems. Gadkari explained, “If the driver shows signs of sleepiness, an alarm will immediately alert him. These measures are designed to ensure passenger safety without compromise.”
Separately, Gadkari highlighted a major breakthrough in sustainable infrastructure during CSIR’s Technology Transfer Ceremony, “From Farm Residue to Road: Bio-Bitumen via Pyrolysis.” He called India’s commercial production of bio-bitumen a “historic milestone” in road construction and a transformative step toward the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.
The minister noted that bio-bitumen, made from agricultural waste, helps curb pollution from crop burning, strengthens the circular economy, and can replace up to 15% of traditional bitumen. This innovation is expected to save nearly Rs 4,500 crore in foreign exchange and reduce India’s reliance on imported crude oil.
Gadkari further underlined the social and economic benefits of the initiative, saying it would empower farmers, generate rural employment, and boost the rural economy. He congratulated CSIR scientists and acknowledged union minister Jitendra Singh for his support in achieving the breakthrough.
This dual focus on road safety and sustainable infrastructure reflects the government’s push for safer, eco-friendly, and technologically advanced transport systems.