Safety Inspections Begin
Following a fire incident in Jaisalmer, authorities in Rajasthan initiated rigorous safety inspections of private buses. The checks, however, have brought
about difficulties for passengers. Numerous instances were reported of passengers being asked to disembark, some at night, without any alternate arrangements. This has caused distress and raised concerns about the treatment of commuters during these inspections.
Passenger Distress Highlighted
The inspections involved passengers being stranded, sometimes late at night. One example described passengers, including numerous women and children, being left at the district transport office from 3 pm until after midnight. This lack of adequate support and the sudden disembarkation created unsafe situations and raised questions about the responsibilities of the transport department during such checks. The district transport office provided food, water, and other amenities, but only in the evening. The bus that was seized lacked a fire extinguishing system and had a highly flammable LPG gas cylinder inside, which could have been extremely dangerous.
Bus Operators' Complaints
Bus operators have raised complaints with the State Human Rights Commission (SHRC). According to Satyanarayan Sahu, a member of the Bus Operator Association Rajasthan, the inspections involve passengers, including women, children, and the elderly, being forced to stand on the road. The association argues this is a breach of human rights. They have requested the SHRC to take action against officials who are perceived to be mistreating the commuters during the safety checks.
Safety Deadline Set
In response to the situation, the transport department has given private bus operators a deadline of October 31 to ensure their buses meet all safety standards. This includes installing fire extinguishers and functional emergency exits, as well as verifying that all required safety measures are in place. The aim is to balance safety requirements with minimal inconvenience for the public.
Seeking a Balance
The Bus Operator Association acknowledged the need for safety measures. They confirmed the need to establish safety measures along with proper documentation but also insisted that passengers should not be inconvenienced. The statement also highlighted concerns about the impact on the reputation of private bus operators, because of the ongoing inspections and the public's perception of them.
