Thiruvananthapuram: Around 5,200 KSRTC buses will soon be equipped with seat belts following a government directive. The tender process has been completed, and the components are expected to arrive within two weeks. The government has mandated that drivers of heavy vehicles and individuals sitting in the front cabin must fasten their seat belts by October 31.

This directive applies to drivers and front occupants of buses and helpers in lorries but does not extend to passengers on buses. All new Swift buses are already equipped with seat belts at the time of manufacture.

The proposal to make seat belts mandatory for drivers of heavy vehicles, including buses and lorries, as well as front-seat passengers, was initially scheduled to be enforced from September 1. However, this start date was moved to October 1 to allow more time for seat belt installation in vehicles.

The transport department has announced that fines will be imposed on individuals who fail to wear seat belts.

Authorities are also considering improving AI cameras to detect seat belt usage in heavy vehicles.