In a significant move aimed at bolstering passenger confidence, the Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) has announced a major safety overhaul for its long-distance sleeper and air-conditioned bus fleet. This decision comes against a backdrop of heightened public concern following a series of fire-related accidents on Karnataka and National Highways, which tragically claimed several lives in recent months.
New Monitoring Systems for Enhanced Oversight
Addressing the growing calls for a comprehensive passenger safety audit, the state-run transport corporation stated on Wednesday that it will soon equip all its sleeper buses with advanced dash cams and saloon cameras. The primary objective is to continuously monitor driver behaviour and driving patterns, ensuring adherence to safety protocols. Officials confirmed that this initiative is part of a renewed commitment to secure overnight travel, particularly for services like Pallakki, Corona, Airavata Club Class, and the premium Ambaari series.
"The dash cams and saloon cameras installed in Ambaari Utsav buses help monitor driver behaviour, driving patterns, and safety-related issues onboard the buses," the KSRTC stated in an official release. The corporation plans to expand this surveillance feature across its entire sleeper coach fleet very soon.
Onboard Safety Features and Passenger Guidelines
KSRTC has published detailed safety protocols and checklists for travellers. According to the release, all modern sleeper buses in its fleet are equipped with a Fire Detection and Suppression System (FDSS). This critical technology is designed to identify early signs of fire and automatically suppress flames in the engine compartment and other high-risk zones before they can engulf the vehicle.
Beyond fire safety, the corporation has integrated a suite of emergency tools:
- Clearly marked emergency exits with supporting diagrams for easy identification.
- First-aid kits and fire extinguishers.
- Emergency hammers in premium category buses.
- Panic buttons for immediate alerts.
Passengers have been specifically advised to use the emergency hammers correctly by striking the corners of window glass, which are designed for easier breakage, to facilitate swift evacuation during crises.
A Proactive Approach to Passenger Security
The back-to-back incidents had put the safety of overnight bus travel under intense scrutiny, prompting this proactive response from the transport authority. By publicly reaffirming that passenger safety remains its top priority, KSRTC aims to familiarise commuters with the available onboard safety features and emergency response mechanisms.
Officials have also appealed to passengers to actively engage with their own safety by learning the location and use of all emergency equipment. This combined approach of technological upgrades, systematic monitoring, and passenger awareness is expected to set a new standard for long-distance road travel safety in Karnataka.
