Another bus fire rocked India. Twenty-five lives were lost on January 13, 2024. This horror happened in Buldhana, Maharashtra. It involved a sleeper coach bus. Passengers were trapped inside. The flames spread fast. This is not a new problem. Tragic bus fires keep happening across the country. This latest incident shows a sad truth: laws exist, but enforcement fails.
India’s Safety Laws: Paper Tigers?
India has strong road safety laws. They look good on paper. The Motor Vehicles Act, 2019, increased fines. Unsafe vehicles now face big penalties. Rules mandate fire extinguishers. Emergency exits are required. Special standards exist for bus building. These focus on fire safety. For example, AIS-052 and AIS-153 guide bus design. These rules aim to prevent such tragedies. But these laws often fail. Why do these fires still happen?
Deadly Gaps in Enforcement and Checks
The real issue is enforcement. Checks on roads are too few. Many vehicles get modified illegally. They change after initial inspections. The Motor Vehicles Act, 2019, introduced stricter rules. It aims to boost road safety across India. Learn more about India’s vehicle fitness laws.
Sleeper buses are a major concern. Many operate outside rules. They often block emergency exits. Flammable materials are used inside. Drivers also lack training. They often abandon burning buses. This leaves passengers to fend for themselves. The January 13 fire showed this again. It highlights a critical failure. This ongoing problem puts countless lives at risk.
Time for Action: What’s Next?
The recent Buldhana tragedy is a wake-up call. We cannot ignore it. Authorities must act now. They need to enforce existing laws strictly. Inspectors must check buses. They must look for illegal changes. Drivers need emergency training. They must know how to save lives. You also have a role. Demand safer transport. Report unsafe buses. Push for accountability. The government has many initiatives. They aim to improve road safety across the country. Understand more about road safety efforts in India.
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Road safety is everyone’s business. Let’s prevent more deaths. We must ensure laws protect people. Not just stay on paper.
