In a major move to curb deadly fire accidents, Union Road Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari has announced strict new safety norms for sleeper coach buses across India. The decision follows a shocking rise in bus fire incidents that claimed 145 lives in just six months. Under the new rules, only automobile companies or Central Government–accredited manufacturers will be allowed to build sleeper buses, effectively banning local and manual body builders. Existing sleeper buses must now be retrofitted with fire detection systems, emergency lighting, driver drowsiness alerts, emergency exits and safety hammers. Investigations revealed flammable interiors and blocked exits in many buses. All sleeper buses must comply with the revised AIS-052 Bus Body Code effective from September 1, 2025.