Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari recently announced strict new safety rules for sleeper buses to reduce accidents and protect passengers’ lives. He said only accredited automobile companies will be allowed to manufacture sleeper coach buses in the future, with the central government overseeing accreditation to ensure safety standards are met.
In a video address, Gadkari said existing sleeper buses will have to be retrofitted with key safety features. These include fire detection systems, emergency exits with hammers, emergency lighting, and driver drowsiness alert systems. He said alarms will warn drivers if they show signs of sleepiness, helping prevent accidents and improve passenger safety.
Separately, the minister highlighted a major development in sustainable infrastructure at CSIR’s Technology Transfer Ceremony on bio-bitumen. He described India’s commercial production of bio-bitumen as a historic milestone in road construction and a step towards the goal of Viksit Bharat 2047.
Bio-bitumen, produced from agricultural waste, can replace up to 15 per cent of conventional bitumen. Gadkari said the innovation will help reduce pollution from crop burning, strengthen the circular economy, and cut dependence on imported crude oil. It is expected to save nearly ₹4,500 crore in foreign exchange.
He added that the initiative will benefit farmers, create rural jobs, and boost the rural economy.
