Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy said the ministry would make it mandatory for all buses to carry more fire extinguishers. | Photo credit:
After the Bengaluru-bound private sleeper bus tragedy in Andhra Pradesh’s Kurnool that claimed 19 lives in the wee hours of Friday, the Karnataka government is set to issue a circular demanding increased security measures in all passenger buses, including additional emergency exit doors and more fire extinguishers.
Speaking to The Hindu, Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy said the transport department would issue a circular on Monday directing both private and state-run bus operators to ensure installation of additional emergency exits.
“Currently, most of the premium and sleeper buses are fully enclosed, with only two main doors, one for the driver’s seat and the other for passengers. Some models have an emergency exit at the back, but this is not enough. We have decided to make it mandatory for all buses to have an additional emergency door for faster evacuation in case of accidents,” he said.
According to Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy, passengers may not be aware of the possibility of breaking window panes, which serve as emergency exits during tragic situations, and that more emergency doors will speed up and ensure evacuation. | Photo credit:
Mr. Reddy pointed out that in many premium buses, especially sleeper buses, windows are designed to act as emergency exits by breaking the glass using hammers placed next to them. However, he said that during panic situations, passengers may not be aware of such options. “During tragic events, passengers tend to rush to the main exit, leading to chaos and delays. More emergency doors will speed up and ensure evacuation,” he said.
Flammable material
The minister added that the department will also introduce an obligation for all buses to carry more fire extinguishers as part of preventive security measures. “Currently, most buses only have one or two fire extinguishers, which are usually located near the driver’s seat. The new rule will ensure that fire extinguishers are placed in more accessible places on the bus,” he said.
Mr. Reddy noted that similar safety rules were first introduced when he held the Transport portfolio in 2013, after another horrific bus fire on the Bengaluru-Hyderabad state highway that killed 45 passengers. “Then we introduced several safety norms but more proactive implementation is needed. This circular will ensure that precautionary measures are strictly enforced,” he said.
He further said that officials have been directed to intensify checks to ensure that buses do not carry flammable materials in the luggage compartment under the passenger cabin or anywhere in the buses. “We will not allow any compromises in the area of passenger safety,” he added.
Confiscated buses
Meanwhile, in a special operation on Friday, transport department officials impounded more than 30 private buses at the Attibele check post in suburban Bengaluru for plying without paying the mandatory Karnataka state road tax.
Additional Transport Commissioner Omkareshwari said, “Buses registered in other states paid only their home state taxes and were found plying commercially in Karnataka after paying only the application fee and not paying the Karnataka state road tax.”
The official added that these buses were intercepted at checkposts near the Karnataka border. To ensure that passengers are not inconvenienced, the department has arranged for Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) buses to take them to their destinations.
“Necessary instructions have been issued to ensure that no money is collected from the passengers and that they are safely dropped at designated stops,” said Ms. Omkareshwari.
Published – 25 Oct 2025 18:55 IST
