AP weighs ban on private sleeper buses after fatal accidents

Metro India News | AMARAVATI 

In the wake of a series of devastating highway accidents, the Andhra Pradesh government is seriously considering a complete ban on private sleeper buses, citing grave concerns over passenger safety and repeated violations by operators.

Transport Minister Mandipalli Ramprasad Reddy confirmed that the state has already written to the Centre seeking approval for such a ban, following at least four major accidents in the past six months that have claimed around 45 lives. Many of the victims were charred beyond recognition, highlighting the deadly consequences of crashes involving sleeper coaches.

The issue gained urgency after two particularly horrific incidents, the Kurnool fire in October 2025 and the Markapuram crash in March 2026. Both tragedies exposed critical safety flaws in private sleeper buses, especially their design, which often restricts emergency exits and increases fire risks.

At a recent Cabinet subcommittee meeting, attended by Home Minister Vangalapudi Anitha and senior officials, the government reviewed safety lapses and proposed stringent measures. The minister warned that if private operators continue to compromise on safety, the state would not hesitate to ban sleeper services altogether.

Investigations into past accidents reveal a troubling pattern. In the Kurnool incident, a private sleeper bus turned into a fireball after a collision damaged its fuel system, trapping passengers inside narrow berths. Around 20 people died in the blaze. Survivors recounted how smoke spread rapidly, leaving little time to escape. Similarly, in March this year, a bus near Markapuram collided with a gravel-laden lorry, triggering a massive fire. Fourteen people, including women and a five-month-old infant, lost their lives. The incident once again underscored the vulnerability of passengers in such buses.

Authorities say overspeeding, driver fatigue, poor vehicle maintenance, and lack of fire safety systems are key factors behind these accidents. Long-distance sleeper buses, often operating under tight schedules, are particularly prone to high-speed driving and negligence.

In response, the government has intensified enforcement. Sixteen special checkpoints have been set up across key routes, with over 10,000 vehicles inspected in recent days. Hundreds of buses have been penalised for violations, including lack of permits, overcrowding, and unsafe modifications.

Additionally, Rs 40 crore has been sanctioned to deploy speed monitoring systems, while stricter norms such as mandatory second drivers for long routes and restrictions on early arrivals are under consideration.

Officials say that the message is clear, public safety cannot be compromised. With pressure mounting, Andhra Pradesh may soon become one of the first states to take the drastic step of banning private sleeper buses altogether.