A month-long enforcement campaign by the Rajasthan State Legal Services Authority (RALSA) has brought about significant changes in the state’s luxury bus industry. The drive has resulted in the seizure of more than 100 luxury sleeper buses due to safety violations. Thousands of bus operators are now rushing to workshops to ensure their vehicles comply with mandatory safety standards.
Judges in Rajasthan have taken to the roads as part of this safety campaign following a series of fatal accidents involving sleeper buses. The ongoing drive, spearheaded by RALSA Member Secretary Justice Hariom Atri, is being conducted in 12 districts of the state. Surprise inspections have revealed various safety violations, including inadequate emergency exits and oversized luggage compartments.
The inspections have prompted a flurry of activity at bus workshops across Rajasthan as operators work to rectify safety issues. Many buses had been illegally modified to create extra luggage space, compromising passenger safety. The campaign aims to rectify these issues and ensure that around 80% of the buses comply with safety standards within a month.
Authorities have also uncovered registration irregularities during the campaign, leading to the seizure of buses registered in other states. The enforcement drive, initiated under the directives of Rajasthan High Court Acting Chief Justice Sanjeev Prakash Sharma, is focused on enhancing passenger safety and preventing tragedies caused by non-compliant sleeper buses.
