Telangana Seizes Three Arunachal Pradesh Sleeper Buses Over Unsafe Glass Chambers

The Telangana Transport Department seized three private sleeper buses in Hyderabad and other parts of the state over a recent Friday and Saturday for operating with unauthorized and unsafe enclosed glass chambers. The enforcement drive was launched to prevent emergency evacuation hazards and ensure passenger safety, following directives from the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC).

All three seized vehicles were registered in Arunachal Pradesh. Following the seizures, Telangana transport officials issued notices to the registration, fitness certification, and permit authorities in Arunachal Pradesh to verify compliance with approved designs, AIS standards, and the Motor Vehicles Act.

The statewide crackdown was prompted by NHRC directives issued after a series of fatal bus accidents and fires across the country. Officials highlighted a tragic incident in Kurnool district last October, where a bus fire claimed 20 lives, as a key reason for the heightened safety measures.

During the special inspections, transport officials targeted sleeper buses with structural modifications. They cited studies by the Central Institute of Road Transport (CIRT), Pune, which revealed that enclosed glass chambers in sleeper coaches obstruct evacuation, increase smoke accumulation, and delay rescue operations during emergencies. Such modifications also directly violate bus body code regulations.

According to authorities, all operating buses must strictly comply with safety requirements. These include functional emergency exits, adequate gangways, roof escape hatches, emergency windows, and layouts designed for quick evacuation. Unauthorised structural changes remain completely prohibited.

The transport department warned that special inspections will continue across all districts in Telangana. Any vehicles found violating safety norms or operating with unauthorized glass chambers will be seized immediately under the Motor Vehicles Act and Central Motor Vehicles Rules.

Private operators were cautioned that they will be solely responsible for making alternative travel arrangements for passengers if their vehicles are seized. Additionally, transport officials advised passengers not to travel in sleeper buses equipped with glass chambers and to report such vehicles to the nearest transport department office.