Bus fires kill 64 nationwide since 2021; Karnataka sees three incidents

The alarming statistic of 64 deaths in bus fires across India since 2021, including multiple incidents in Karnataka, underscores a critical and recurring challenge in the nation's road safety landscape. This issue goes beyond mere accidents; it highlights systemic vulnerabilities in vehicle design, maintenance protocols, regulatory enforcement, and emergency response mechanisms. The recent tragedy involving a Bengaluru-bound bus, where at least six lives were lost after a container truck collision led to a rapid blaze, brings into sharp focus the catastrophic consequences when these elements fail.

India has one of the highest rates of road accidents and fatalities globally. According to the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) annual reports, lakhs of lives are lost each year on Indian roads. While collisions are the primary cause, vehicle fires, especially in public transport like buses, add another layer of complexity and horror. These fires often spread rapidly due to factors like fuel tank rupture, electrical short circuits, use of flammable materials in interiors, and lack of adequate fire suppression systems, leaving passengers with minimal time for escape. This situation is exacerbated by design flaws that may impede swift evacuation, such as insufficient emergency exits or jammed doors.

Several key stakeholders are critically involved in addressing this multifaceted problem. The **Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH)** is the primary policymaker, responsible for framing rules, setting safety standards (like AIS-135 for bus body code and AIS-038 for fire detection and suppression systems), and overseeing their implementation. **Vehicle Manufacturers** bear the responsibility of designing buses with inherent safety features, including crashworthiness, fire-retardant materials, secure fuel tank placement, and accessible emergency exits. **Bus Operators**, both public (State Road Transport Corporations) and private, are crucial for adhering to maintenance schedules, ensuring vehicle fitness, training drivers, and equipping buses with functional fire extinguishers. **State Transport Departments and Regional Transport Offices (RTOs)** are tasked with the enforcement of vehicle fitness norms, regular inspections, and issuing permits. Finally, **Emergency Services** (Fire Department, Police, Medical personnel) play a vital role in rapid response, rescue operations, and post-accident management.

For India, the recurrence of such incidents carries profound significance. Firstly, there is the immense **human cost**, measured in lives lost, severe injuries, and the psychological trauma inflicted on survivors and families. This loss of productive citizens impacts national development. Secondly, there is a significant **economic impact**, including healthcare costs, compensation, damage to property, and a potential deterrent to public transport usage, affecting the mobility and livelihood of millions. Socially, these incidents erode public trust in the safety of mass transit systems, leading to apprehension among commuters. From a governance perspective, these tragedies highlight critical gaps in regulatory frameworks and their enforcement, signaling a need for more stringent oversight and accountability mechanisms. They also underscore deficiencies in disaster management and emergency preparedness, especially concerning multi-casualty incidents.

Historically, road safety has been a persistent challenge in India. Major accidents have often spurred legislative action and committee recommendations. For instance, the **Motor Vehicles Act, 1988**, has been the cornerstone of road transport regulation. Its significant amendment in **2019** aimed to improve road safety by introducing stricter penalties, promoting technology for enforcement, and streamlining vehicle fitness testing. The Act, along with the **Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989**, provides the legal framework for vehicle construction, equipment, and maintenance. The **National Road Safety Policy** (2010) outlines a comprehensive strategy to improve road safety, focusing on education, engineering (roads and vehicles), enforcement, and emergency care. Furthermore, the **National Disaster Management Act, 2005**, provides the institutional and legal framework for effective disaster management, under which road accidents, especially those involving mass casualties, can be managed.

Constitutionally, the state's obligation to ensure public safety and welfare is rooted in fundamental rights. **Article 21** of the Indian Constitution, guaranteeing the 'Right to Life and Personal Liberty,' has been broadly interpreted by the Supreme Court to include the right to a safe environment and safe public services. This places a constitutional imperative on the state to ensure the safety of public transport. Moreover, road transport falls under the **Concurrent List (Entry 35 of the Seventh Schedule)**, allowing both the Central and State governments to legislate and implement policies related to vehicle safety and road transport.

The future implications necessitate a multi-pronged approach. There is an urgent need for the **strict implementation of existing safety standards** like AIS-135 and AIS-038, coupled with their continuous review and upgrade to incorporate global best practices. Investment in **advanced fire suppression systems**, use of **non-flammable or fire-retardant materials** in bus interiors, and improved **emergency exit designs** are crucial. Enhanced **driver training** focusing on defensive driving and emergency protocols, alongside robust **vehicle fitness testing and certification**, are equally vital. Furthermore, strengthening **emergency response infrastructure**—including rapid deployment of fire services, adequate medical facilities, and coordinated rescue efforts—is paramount to mitigate casualties in such incidents. Public awareness campaigns on safety features and emergency procedures can also empower passengers. Ultimately, these tragic incidents serve as a stark reminder of the continuous need for vigilance, innovation, and unwavering commitment to public safety in India's rapidly expanding transport sector.