Andhra Pradesh may ban private sleeper buses after spate of deadly accidents
The cabinet sub-committee constituted by CM N Chandrababu Naidu to review measures to prevent bus accidents took the matter up for discussion on Tuesday.
The Andhra Pradesh government is contemplating a ban on private sleeper buses, officials said on Wednesday, adding that the move was spurred by a recent spate of serious accidents involving such vehicles.
The cabinet sub-committee constituted by chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu to review measures to prevent bus accidents took the matter up for discussion on Tuesday. State transport minister Mandipalli Ramprasad Reddy and home minister Vangalapudi Anitha were present.
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Most private sleeper buses currently in service were converted vehicles rather than factory-built models, officials present informed the sub-committee, and flagged the lax compliance with structural and safety standards, including lack of adequate emergency exits and poor ventilation.
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“In the first phase, the state government is examining the possibility of banning non-factory-built sleeper buses. We shall take up with the Centre seeking regulatory intervention to either restrict or prohibit unsafe sleeper coach operations,” Reddy said.
{{/usCountry}}“In the first phase, the state government is examining the possibility of banning non-factory-built sleeper buses. We shall take up with the Centre seeking regulatory intervention to either restrict or prohibit unsafe sleeper coach operations,” Reddy said.
{{/usCountry}}Meanwhile, the government is rolling out a series of safety measures with immediate effect, he added. It includes regulation of travel time based on distance between the points of origin and destination. “If a bus reaches earlier than the stipulated time, it will not be allowed into the city,” the minister said, adding the move was aimed at discouraging speeding. Private buses operating on routes longer than 300 kilometres will now require to be staffed by two drivers.
{{/usCountry}}Meanwhile, the government is rolling out a series of safety measures with immediate effect, he added. It includes regulation of travel time based on distance between the points of origin and destination. “If a bus reaches earlier than the stipulated time, it will not be allowed into the city,” the minister said, adding the move was aimed at discouraging speeding. Private buses operating on routes longer than 300 kilometres will now require to be staffed by two drivers.
{{/usCountry}}