Glass-enclosed berths in AC sleeper buses flagged as safety risk

Transport authorities in Hyderabad have seized an AC sleeper bus fitted with glass‑enclosed cabins, citing violations of safety norms. Officials warned that such unauthorised modifications pose risks to passenger safety and vowed strict enforcement.

Hyderabad: The alleged installation of glass-enclosed cabins inside AC sleeper buses in recent times has come under scrutiny, with concerns being raised that such modifications could pose serious risks to passengers during emergencies.

Following recent concerns over the growing use of glass chambers around sleeper berths, particularly in buses from neighbouring States, the regional transport authority inspection teams carried out checks at Miyapur and seized an AC sleeper bus operated by private travels.

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Transport officials examined the modifications and found that the enclosed structures had been installed in violation of prescribed safety norms.

Officials said inspections would continue and warned that buses fitted with such unauthorised structures would face strict action. The glass enclosures will be removed, and operators responsible for the violations could face criminal cases in addition to penalties, they said.

Officials also revealed that enforcement against private travel operators has been intensified this year. Between January and June, 928 cases were registered against private buses for various violations detected during inspections.

Meanwhile, transport authorities have directed private bus operators to strictly follow safety regulations, warning that non-compliance could result in vehicle seizures and heavy fines.

They said passenger safety cannot be compromised and that all operators must adhere to established norms and court-mandated safety guidelines.