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Sleeper Bus Rules: The Central Government has given top priority to passenger safety by making major changes in the registration and construction rules of sleeper buses. Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari has clarified that now any new sleeper coach bus will be registered only after a thorough physical and video check of its fire safety system and emergency exit is done.

Busworld India Conclave 2026

This system has been implemented under the newly amended ‘Bus Body Code’ so that incidents like fire in buses can be effectively prevented. Gadkari told ‘Busworld India Conclave 2026’ that the Road Transport Ministry has already implemented the revised Bus Body Code from September 1, 2025.

Registration permission after completion of investigation

He said that now detailed inspection of every sleeper bus will be done and it will be mandatory to upload its report on ‘Vahan’ portal. As per the rules, registration will be allowed only after completion of checking of all safety features like fire fighting system, emergency hammer exits and emergency lights.

Safety and design standards

It has also been clarified that now sleeper buses can be manufactured only by automobile companies or units recognized by the Central Government. India’s ‘AIS-052’ bus body code already sets safety and design standards, which are now being enforced more strictly.

Incidents of fire in buses

The government says that in recent years there have been many serious incidents of fire in buses, in which a large number of people lost their lives. In view of these incidents, this step has been taken to ensure the safety of passengers and to prevent such accidents in future.