Ground Report: Sleeper Buses Face Safety Questions After Greater Noida Fire Tragedy

A ground report from Delhi’s Kashmiri Gate has highlighted multiple alleged safety lapses in sleeper buses operating on long-distance routes. India Today found emergency exits that appeared narrow or difficult to access, with one reportedly blocked by a seat. Emergency hammers were also not visible on some buses, while emergency markings on windows appeared absent. The report also showed a fire extinguisher positioned behind the driver’s seat, raising questions about accessibility during the crucial first minutes of a fire. These observations come days after the deadly Greater Noida bus fire that claimed nine lives, putting sleeper-bus safety standards, inspections and enforcement under renewed scrutiny.