New Delhi, January 9, 2026 – Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari on Thursday announced a set of new safety regulations aimed at making sleeper buses safer for passengers, amid growing concerns over road accidents involving long-distance coaches. The provisions, which focus on advanced safety features, emergency preparedness, and driver vigilance, are designed to reduce casualties and improve overall passenger security on India’s highways.

In a video statement, Gadkari explained the rationale behind the new regulations. “In this crash investigation, sleeper coach buses are coming nowadays. Only automobile companies will manufacture sleeper coach buses, ensuring compliance with central safety standards,” he said. The minister emphasized that the central government will accredit bus facilities, a step intended to ensure that manufacturers and operators adhere strictly to safety norms, eliminating room for compromises.

Key Safety Features Announced

The safety provisions introduced by the Ministry include:

• Mandatory Fire Detection Systems: All sleeper buses, both new and existing, will be equipped with fire detection systems capable of alerting passengers and drivers at the first sign of smoke or flame.
• Emergency Exits and Lighting: Buses must have clearly marked emergency exits along with emergency lighting. Hammers for breaking windows in case of emergencies will also be provided.
• Driver Drowsiness Alerts: Each sleeper bus will feature driver drowsiness detection systems. In the event of fatigue or inattentiveness, the system will trigger an immediate alarm, alerting the driver to prevent accidents caused by sleepiness.
• Retrofitting of Existing Vehicles: Existing sleeper buses will be retrofitted with the above systems, ensuring that older fleets meet the new safety requirements.

Gadkari stressed that these measures are part of a broader strategy to make India’s road transport system safer, particularly for long-distance travel where accidents involving sleeper buses have been on the rise.

Context and Government Oversight

The move to regulate sleeper buses comes amid heightened public concern over crashes involving long-haul coaches. Many accidents in recent years have been linked to driver fatigue, poorly maintained vehicles, and lack of emergency equipment, highlighting the need for stricter safety standards.

By mandating manufacturer responsibility, government accreditation, and installation of safety equipment, the Ministry aims to professionalize the sleeper bus segment and prevent avoidable deaths. “We have taken it into our hands so that we will not make any compromise about it,” Gadkari stated, underlining the government’s commitment to passenger safety.

Linking Transport Innovation with Sustainability

The announcement came a day after Gadkari highlighted another transformative development in road infrastructure: the commercial production of bio-bitumen from agricultural waste, during CSIR’s Technology Transfer Ceremony titled “From Farm Residue to Road: Bio-Bitumen via Pyrolysis.”

Gadkari described this innovation as a historic milestone for India’s road infrastructure, noting that bio-bitumen reduces pollution caused by crop burning while supporting the circular economy. By blending 15% bio-bitumen with conventional road materials, India can save nearly ₹4,500 crore in foreign exchange and reduce dependence on imported crude oil.

The minister also emphasized the socio-economic benefits of the initiative, stating that it will empower farmers, generate rural livelihoods, and boost the rural economy. He praised CSIR scientists and thanked Union Minister Jitendra Singh for his support in achieving this pioneering breakthrough.

Safety and Sustainability: A Dual Focus

The announcement of safety regulations for sleeper buses, coupled with the push for bio-bitumen, illustrates the government’s dual focus on modernizing infrastructure while ensuring safety and sustainability. By combining innovative technology with regulatory oversight, the Ministry aims to minimize accident risks, protect passengers, and create environmentally friendly roadways.

Transport analysts have welcomed the move, calling the new provisions “long overdue,” noting that fire detection systems, emergency exits, and drowsiness alerts could significantly reduce fatalities in long-distance coach travel.

Moving Forward

The Ministry has indicated that automobile companies manufacturing sleeper buses will now operate under strict safety accreditation, and operators will be required to ensure compliance with the new safety standards. Regular inspections and compliance audits are expected to follow, ensuring that both new and retrofitted vehicles adhere to the prescribed guidelines.

The introduction of these regulations represents a significant step forward in road safety in India, addressing one of the most vulnerable segments of public transport. By combining technological innovation, regulatory oversight, and sustainability measures, the government aims to enhance passenger safety while modernizing the long-distance transport sector.

As Gadkari highlighted, “If the driver is sleepy, then we have also provided an alarm immediately; drowsiness indicators will alert him immediately.” These measures, alongside bio-bitumen for sustainable roads, signal a comprehensive vision for safer, smarter, and greener road transport in India.