In the wake of the harrowing private bus fire that claimed lives in Andhra Pradesh’s Kurnool district on October 24, the Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) has immediately initiated a comprehensive, state-wide safety audit across its entire fleet. This urgent action aims to prevent a repeat of such a tragedy within Karnataka’s borders.
Senior KSRTC officials confirm that dedicated teams at each depot have already commenced inspecting buses, meticulously checking critical safety features. This includes rigorous verification of emergency exits, ensuring fire extinguishers are fully functional, and that all first-aid kits are comprehensively stocked and easily accessible.
Proactive Steps to Mitigate Risks
Beyond immediate safety checks, KSRTC is also re-evaluating its vehicle renewal and maintenance protocols to proactively identify and mitigate any lurking hazards. These intensified inspections span both day and night services, with a particular emphasis on ensuring all buses, especially those covering long distances, adhere strictly to advanced fire safety standards.
This sweeping initiative comes directly from Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy, who, in an official directive dated October 28, instructed the managing directors of all four state-run transport corporations – KSRTC, BMTC, NWKRTC, and KKRTC – to undertake these immediate and thorough safety audits.
Minister Reddy underscored the critical need for heightened vigilance to prevent similar tragedies in Karnataka, drawing a somber parallel to the Kurnool accident. He referenced a previous incident during his earlier term as Transport Minister, where a private bus fire near Haveri district resulted in multiple fatalities. That past disaster had led to a state-wide safety review of nearly 50,000 vehicles, encompassing state, private, tourist, and school buses, which subsequently led to the installation of additional emergency exits.
Furthermore, Minister Reddy explicitly directed officials to strictly enforce rules against the transportation of any flammable or explosive materials, whether mixed with passenger luggage or commercial consignments.
KSRTC Bus Safety Audit – Key Measures:
Detailed Aspects of the Safety Audit
The current audit specifically mandates checks on all installed Fire Detection and Suppression Systems (FDSS) and Fire Alarm and Protection Systems (FAPS) to ensure their full functionality. Officials are confirming not only that these crucial systems are well-maintained, but also that drivers and conductors are thoroughly trained to operate them effectively during emergencies.
Furthermore, KSRTC has issued a strict mandate: all night-service buses must now carry a minimum of two 5-liter fire extinguishers, with other buses complying with their respective prescribed norms. Every bus’s electrical wiring is undergoing meticulous scrutiny to prevent loose or damaged connections. Independent audits are also verifying that battery cut-off switches are fully operational and that any identified defects are rectified without delay.
For air-conditioned buses, KSRTC teams are actively confirming that emergency hammers, vital for breaking windows in critical situations, are not only installed but also readily accessible. Any buses found without these essential tools will not be dispatched for service until depot officials have properly fitted them.
Drivers and crew have received stringent warnings against using mosquito coils or any open flames during night journeys. Additionally, before any vehicle commences its operation, all emergency doors, passenger doors, and the driver’s door will undergo thorough checks to ensure flawless functionality.
In a proactive move, the corporation will also launch a public awareness campaign through regular audio and video announcements at all major bus stations. These announcements will sternly remind passengers about the prohibition of carrying inflammable or explosive materials on board, aiming to educate the public and curb unsafe practices that could jeopardize lives.