BOCI Issues Advisory After States Begin Enforcing New Sleeper Bus Rules

The Bus & Car Operators Confederation of India (BOCI) has issued a nationwide advisory to bus operators following the enforcement of the new sleeper bus safety regulations by multiple state transport departments, acting on directions from the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC).

In its notice addressed to operators across India, BOCI said that while passenger safety remains the industry’s top priority, certain directives, particularly those applicable to existing sleeper buses, raise serious practical, technical, and financial concerns.

States Begin Immediate Enforcement of NHRC Directions

BOCI noted that after Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh has issued strict enforcement orders, with several other states expected to follow. State transport authorities have begun directing operators to implement NHRC-mandated safety measures, including compulsory installation of Fire Detection and Suppression Systems (FDSS) and removal of certain interior partitions.

The Confederation warned that abrupt enforcement without transitional planning could severely disrupt sleeper bus operations nationwide.

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Operators Flag Practical Challenges in Implementation

According to BOCI, the requirement to install FDSS in all sleeper buses within 30 days is not practically achievable, especially for older vehicles.

The advisory highlighted key ground-level challenges, including:

• High financial burden of retrofitting FDSS
• Structural and technical incompatibility in older sleeper coaches
• Certification and equipment availability constraints

BOCI also raised concerns over the immediate removal of passenger and driver partitions, stating that such changes could create operational and safety challenges during long-distance overnight travel.

BOCI Engages Central Government for Industry-Friendly Solution

BOCI informed operators that its National President, Prasanna Patwardhan, along with the National Executive Team, is actively engaged in discussions with the Central Ministry to seek a balanced and practical resolution.

The Confederation said it is working towards an outcome that ensures safety reforms are implemented without causing widespread disruption to sleeper bus services.

Key Suggestions Put Forward by BOCI

As part of its representation, BOCI has proposed the following six-point framework to the authorities:

• FDSS to be made mandatory only for new sleeper buses manufactured or registered going forward
• Existing sleeper buses to be exempted from compulsory FDSS installation or provided with a long-term transition period
• A minimum 2–3 year timeline for modifications in existing vehicles, instead of a 30-day deadline
• Re-examination of passenger and driver partition removal, considering real-world operational conditions
• Issuance of a uniform Pan-India policy by the Central Ministry to avoid state-wise inconsistency
• Mandatory consultation with operators, body builders, and technical experts before finalising safety regulations

Confederation Seeks Feedback From Operators Nationwide

BOCI has called upon sleeper bus operators across India to urgently share:

• Practical difficulties
• Technical limitations
• Financial impact assessments
• Constructive alternative suggestions

Operators have been requested to route their feedback through their respective State BOCI Chairmen or National Governing Body members.

The Confederation stated that all inputs will be consolidated and presented to the Central Ministry as a unified industry representation.

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Industry at a Critical Juncture

BOCI cautioned that if the current issues are not addressed promptly, sleeper bus operations across India could face serious disruption.

The Confederation reiterated its position that safety reforms must be implemented but in a phased, consultative, and industry-friendly manner.

For a detailed breakdown of the new sleeper bus rules, including compliance requirements and penalties, bus operators can refer to our complete explainer.