The reality check by 'Aaj Tak' unveiled the blatant disregard for safety norms by sleeper bus operators. While operators brazenly flout the rules, the department continues to issue them licenses and permits, ignoring the standards. In response, Uttar Pradesh's Transport Minister Dayashankar Singh addressed the issue.
Minister Singh stated he has reviewed 'Aaj Tak's report and assures that negligence will be addressed with due action. Previous measures included seizing buses or suspending ART officials in Raebareli, Lucknow, etc. The department is committed to acting against such violations.
Dayashankar Singh declared that if any bus fails to meet standards, an investigation will be conducted soon, and he will personally take steps against such buses. No one has the right to jeopardize lives. The issue highlighted by 'Aaj Tak' has been acknowledged, with active intervention from the government.
When 'Aaj Tak's team
investigated government claims
, startling realities about safety arrangements across sleeper buses from Delhi to Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh to Punjab emerged. Notably, this is amidst the government's admission in parliament of 64 passenger deaths from being burned alive in sleeper buses over the past three years.
Meanwhile, the central transport minister claims new rules are in development for these 'death trap' sleeper buses. 'Aaj Tak' asked transport ministers of Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Delhi, and Punjab how long sleeper buses will continue to have permits risking lives.
The investigative team found in Lucknow that sleeper buses lacked adherence to safety regulations. Regular buses operating from Transport Nagar displayed numerous shortcomings.
