Bengal buses to get safer and comfortable - New rules mandate lower steps, wider doors, fixed seats, and first-aid kits

The West Bengal Transport Department has introduced a set of mandatory structural regulations for buses across the state. These new norms aim to ensure safer and more accessible travel for passengers. The updated rules will apply to all categories of buses, including government-operated, private, school, mini, and contract-based passenger transport vehicles.

As per the new guidelines, bus steps must be between 25 to 43 centimetres from the ground level to assist passengers, especially those with mobility issues. Bus doors are required to be at least 53 centimetres wide to ensure smoother movement during boarding and deboarding. The presence of hand railings at entry and exit points has also been made compulsory in all buses.

The rules also standardize the internal layout of buses. Each seat must provide at least 38 square centimetres of space to the passenger. The guidelines prohibit the installation of emergency doors but emphasize the provision of safe boarding features. Additionally, windows and driver cabin specifications have also been clearly defined in the directive.

A first-aid box must be available in every bus, as per the transport department’s instructions. The new system is tied directly to the vehicle’s fitness certification process. Buses that fail to comply with the structural standards will not be issued fitness certificates, and thus will not be permitted to operate. Officials have said that these conditions must be met prior to inspection.

The updated norms are expected to be implemented across all bus categories. However, it remains to be seen how many existing vehicles will be able to comply with the changes. The transport department has clarified that fitness renewal for buses will now depend entirely on the implementation of these structural requirements.