In a move aimed at bolstering passenger safety, the Odisha government has made it mandatory for all sleeper coach buses to be equipped with water tanks and sprinklers.
State Transport Minister Bibhuti Bhushan Jena issued strict directives to enforce this rule during a meeting with the Bus Owners’ Association held at his official residence.
The decision underscores the government’s commitment to adhering to existing regulations and court directives. Minister Jena emphasised that every sleeper coach bus must include at least one water tank along with sprinkler systems to mitigate fire risks. “We are prioritising passenger safety, and these measures will be implemented rigorously,” Jena told the media after the meeting.
The minister highlighted that air-conditioned (AC) buses have been particularly prone to fire incidents, prompting the department to place special emphasis on this new mandate. All bus owners have been instructed to comply immediately, with the transport department tasked with strict enforcement to ensure no violations occur.
