Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari has announced a comprehensive set of new safety regulations for sleeper buses aimed at reducing accidents and protecting passengers. The updated rules mandate the installation of fire detection systems, clearly marked emergency exits equipped with hammers, and emergency lighting in all sleeper coaches.
Additionally, buses will now be required to incorporate driver drowsiness detection technology, ensuring alarms are triggered immediately if a driver shows signs of fatigue. Emphasising strict quality control, Gadkari stated that only accredited automobile companies will be allowed to manufacture sleeper coach buses, and the central government has taken full responsibility for the accreditation process to ensure no compromises on safety standards. Existing sleeper buses on the road will also have to be retrofitted with these newly prescribed safety features.
Gadkari Unveils Breakthrough Bio-Bitumen Initiative for Sustainable Roads
In a related development, Gadkari highlighted India’s significant progress in sustainable road-building technologies. Speaking at CSIR’s Technology Transfer Ceremony titled “From Farm Residue to Road: Bio-Bitumen via Pyrolysis,” he called the commercial production of bio-bitumen a historic milestone for the country. India has now become the first nation in the world to begin large-scale production of bio-bitumen derived from agricultural waste. Gadkari noted that this innovation aligns with the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047 by transforming farm residue into a valuable national resource. He praised the efforts of CSIR scientists and acknowledged the support of Union Minister of State Jitendra Singh in enabling this breakthrough.
According to Gadkari, using agro-waste for bio-bitumen not only curbs pollution caused by crop burning but also strengthens the circular economy. With a 15% blend, he said, India could save nearly ₹4,500 crores in foreign exchange and significantly reduce its dependence on imported crude oil. He further added that this pioneering initiative will empower farmers, generate rural livelihoods, and contribute substantially to boosting the rural economy.
Summary:
Nitin Gadkari announced new safety norms for sleeper buses, including fire detection, emergency exits and drowsiness alerts. He also unveiled India’s first commercial bio-bitumen production using agro-waste, marking a major step toward sustainable roads. The initiative cuts pollution, reduces crude oil dependence, saves foreign exchange and boosts rural livelihoods.
