Argus News - Kurnool Tragedy Triggers Odisha’s Transport Safety Crackdown

Bhubaneswar, Nov 19: Following the devastating bus fire accident in Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh, the Odisha Transport Department has swung into action mode to curb illegal bus body constructions and ensure passenger safety.

The move comes after Hyderabad-based Right to Information (RTI) activist Gangi Srinivas Rao wrote to several state governments, including Odisha, raising concerns about unsafe and unauthorized bus body fabrication centres.

According to the activist’s complaint, many buses operating across Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Odisha, and Karnataka are being fabricated without adhering to Automotive Industry Standards (AIS) and Central Motor Vehicle Rules (CMVR). In several cases, goods carriers are illegally converted into passenger buses, compromising safety norms. Shockingly, many buses lack basic safety features such as emergency exits and fire extinguishers, which are mandatory for passenger protection.

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Responding to the complaint, the Odisha Transport Department has directed the Transport Commissioner to initiate strict action against unauthorized bus body construction centres. Legal proceedings may also be initiated against bus owners and fabrication operators found guilty of violating safety norms.

Furthermore, disciplinary action could be taken against local Regional Transport Officers (RTOs) and Motor Vehicle Inspectors (MVIs) who failed to conduct proper safety checks.

The Kurnool tragedy has served as a wake-up call, exposing systemic lapses in monitoring and enforcement. With thousands of passengers relying on buses for daily travel, ensuring compliance with safety standards has become a pressing priority.

The Odisha government’s move is expected to set a precedent for other states, pushing them to tighten regulations and crack down on illegal bus body fabrication.