Government Plans to Allow Only Major Manufacturers to Build Sleeper Buses to Ensure Passenger Safety

New Delhi:
In a move to enhance the safety of sleeper bus passengers, the Indian government is preparing to restrict manufacturing of sleeper buses to major companies such as Volvo, Mercedes, Tata, Ashok Leyland, and Isuzu. Local bus body builders and smaller vendors may soon be barred from producing sleeper buses under the new plan.

High-Level Meeting Chaired by Minister Nitin Gadkari

Sources reveal that a high-level meeting, chaired by Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari, was recently held to review incidents involving sleeper buses during 2024-25. Particular attention was given to five major accidents that occurred between 14 and 28 October, highlighting the urgency of stricter safety measures.

Demand-Supply Considerations

The government is also assessing the current demand for sleeper buses to ensure that restricting production to major manufacturers does not create a shortage. Discussions are ongoing to confirm that these companies can meet nationwide demand without affecting availability.

Balancing Cost and Accessibility

To make high-quality buses affordable for operators, the government is considering budget adjustments. Sleeper buses from Volvo and Mercedes, which cost over ₹2 crore, could otherwise burden bus operators financially. Officials are seeking a middle ground to ensure safety while keeping travel costs reasonable for passengers.

Industry Concerns

Local bus operators have pointed out that constructing a bus body through local vendors currently costs ₹35–40 lakh. The government must ensure that a ban on local manufacturers does not lead to higher fares or limited availability of sleeper buses for passengers.

The move signals a strong commitment by the government to passenger safety while balancing industry and consumer interests, aiming to standardize quality and security in long-distance bus travel.