With a series of fire mishaps and fatal accidents involving sleeper and air-conditioned buses sparking concern over overnight travel safety, the Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) has announced a major step to tighten monitoring across its fleet. The State-run transporter said it will soon install dash cams and saloon cameras in all its sleeper buses to closely track driver behaviour and driving patterns.

The decision comes amid growing public calls for a thorough audit of passenger safety on long-distance routes, especially on Karnataka and National Highways. KSRTC officials said the move is aimed at improving accountability behind the wheel while reassuring passengers that safety remains the corporation’s top priority.

Cameras, checklists and clearer safety guidance

In an official release, KSRTC reiterated that it has rolled out detailed safety protocols and checklists for passengers travelling in its premium services, including Pallakki AC and Non-AC Sleeper, Corona AC and Non-AC Sleeper, Airavata Club Class, Ambaari Utsav, and Ambaari Dream Class buses.

These guidelines are designed to help commuters understand onboard safety features and emergency response systems, rather than leaving them to figure things out during a crisis.

Fire detection systems already in place

According to KSRTC, all modern sleeper buses in its fleet, particularly those under the Pallakki and Ambaari series, are equipped with Fire Detection and Suppression Systems (FDSS). These systems are built to detect early signs of fire and suppress flames before they spread.

In many cases, the FDSS not only alerts the crew but also automatically activates suppression mechanisms in high-risk areas such as the engine compartment, helping contain a potential disaster in its early stages.

More than just fire safety

Beyond FDSS, KSRTC buses carry a range of additional safety features. These include first-aid kits, clearly marked emergency exits, fire extinguishers, panic buttons, emergency hammers in premium buses, and onboard cameras. Diagrams showing the location of safety equipment and exit doors have also been placed inside buses to help passengers react quickly in emergencies.

Explaining the role of cameras, the corporation said dash cams and saloon cameras, already present in Ambaari Utsav buses, are used to monitor driver conduct and safety-related issues during the journey. “Very soon, all sleeper buses will be fitted with dash cams and saloon cameras to enhance passenger safety,” the release noted.

KSRTC has also urged passengers to familiarise themselves with emergency tools, especially emergency hammers, advising them to strike the corners of window glass, which are designed to break more easily during evacuations.

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