KSRTC row: New bus catches fire after fire safety norms relaxed

A recent fire incident involving a KSRTC sleeper bus in Venjaramoodu has brought renewed attention to safety lapses in public transport, after it emerged that several buses were operating without mandatory fire suppression systems.

While passengers in the latest incident escaped unhurt, the case highlights growing risks linked to relaxed safety norms.

The controversy centres around the absence of fire suppression systems—automatic mechanisms designed to detect and control fires at an early stage. These systems were made compulsory in new buses from October 2025 as part of revised central safety standards aimed at preventing short circuits and improving emergency response.

Despite this, KSRTC had procured buses based on older coach designs that do not include these systems. The corporation had approached the government seeking relaxation from the updated norms, citing operational and financial constraints. The request was approved, granting exemptions until February 2026.

However, the decision now appears to have backfired. Multiple fire incidents have been reported in recent months, with at least six buses—including newer additions—catching fire. In some cases, there were no onboard fire control systems, forcing reliance on external help to contain the flames.

The issue has also extended beyond KSRTC. The concession granted to the state-run body was reportedly used by private bus operators as well, allowing them to register and run vehicles that did not fully meet updated safety standards. This has raised concerns about regulatory loopholes and enforcement gaps.

Further complicating matters, some buses that had not completed standard factory processes were reportedly registered and put into service. The government has since extended the concession period by an additional three months for vehicles that missed earlier deadlines, adding to the debate over safety versus operational flexibility.

Overall, the incident has triggered questions about whether short-term relaxations in safety rules are compromising passenger protection, especially as public transport systems expand and modernise. Calls for stricter enforcement of fire safety norms are likely to intensify in the wake of repeated fire incidents.