Transport Minister M. Ramprasad Reddy informed the Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly that stringent measures, including strict adherence to Rule 128, are being enforced to prevent fatal fire accidents in private sleeper buses.

  • Mandatory compliance with Rule 128 of the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989.
  • 9,003 cases booked and ₹9.79 crore in penalties collected up to July 2026.
  • Out of 851 registered sleeper buses, 835 belong to the private sector.

Addressing the Legislative Assembly on Tuesday, Andhra Pradesh Transport Minister M. Ramprasad Reddy stated that the government is taking proactive steps to curb the rising number of fatal fire accidents involving private sleeper buses. The Minister emphasized that the state is monitoring the situation closely to ensure passenger safety.

Responding to concerns raised by Nellore Rural MLA Kotamreddy Sridhar Reddy, the Minister highlighted that the government has issued circular instructions to all registering authorities. These instructions mandate strict compliance with Rule 128 of the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989, which governs the design, structural integrity, lighting, and safety equipment of tourist vehicles.

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Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that with the overwhelming majority of sleeper buses being privately owned—835 out of 851 registered units—the risk of substandard maintenance and non-compliance with safety protocols is significantly higher. Ensuring these private players adhere to rigorous standards is critical to preventing mass casualty events during transit.

Stringent enforcement of structural and electrical standards is the only way to mitigate the risk of fire in high-occupancy tourist vehicles.

The enforcement data reveals a massive crackdown by the Transport Department. In 2025, authorities booked 13,724 cases, collecting ₹11.96 crore in penalties. As of July 2026, the department has already booked 9,003 cases, resulting in ₹9.79 crore in fines.

Historical Background

The rise in private long-distance sleeper bus services has transformed regional travel in India. However, this growth has been accompanied by a spike in fire-related incidents, often caused by electrical short circuits or illegal modifications to the vehicle's structure. This has necessitated the strict implementation of the Central Motor Vehicles Rules to standardize safety across the industry.

MLA Sridhar Reddy pointed out that human negligence contributes to approximately 90% of these accidents. He urged the government to impose even heavier penalties on violators to act as a powerful deterrent against negligence.

Did You Know?: Rule 128 specifically mandates standards for door dimensions and rear-view mirrors to ensure safe passenger entry and exit during emergencies.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is Rule 128 of the Central Motor Vehicles Rules?
It is a regulation that sets specific standards for the construction, safety equipment, and interior design of tourist vehicles.

2. How many private sleeper buses are operating in the state?
According to the Minister, there are 835 private sleeper buses registered in the state.