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Gadkari Unveils New Safety Rules for Sleeper Buses, Launches Bio-Bitumen

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari has introduced stringent new safety provisions for sleeper coaches, including fire detection systems and driver drowsiness alarms to prevent accidents. Separately, he announced a pioneering breakthrough where India has become the first country to commercially produce bio-bitumen from agricultural waste. This innovation aims to tackle pollution from crop burning while saving foreign exchange and reducing crude oil imports. The minister stated this will empower farmers and boost the rural economy.

Key Points: New Sleeper Bus Safety Rules & Bio-Bitumen Launch by Gadkari

  • Mandatory fire detection in sleeper buses
  • Emergency exits and driver drowsiness alerts
  • World's first commercial bio-bitumen production
  • Using agro-waste to reduce pollution and save forex
2 min read

Union minister Nitin Gadkari introduces new provisions in sleeper buses to prevent accidents

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari announces mandatory safety features for sleeper buses and launches world-first commercial bio-bitumen from farm waste.

"Today marks a historic milestone in India's road infrastructure, as the nation becomes the first in the world to commercially produce bio-bitumen. - Nitin Gadkari"

New Delhi, January 9

Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari announced new safety rules for sleeper buses, including mandatory fire detection systems, emergency exits, and driver drowsiness alerts, to prevent accidents and save lives.

In a video, Gadkari on Thursday said, "In this crash investigation, sleeper coach buses are coming nowadays. In this, only automobile companies will manufacture sleeper coach buses."

"So, accreditation of bus facilities is to be done by the central government; we have taken it into our hands. So that we will not make any compromise about it. Existing buses to be retrofitted with a fire detection system, emergency exits with hammers, and emergency lighting. If the driver is sleepy, then we have also provided in our bus, there will be an alarm immediately, drowsiness indicators, which will alert him immediately," he added.

Earlier on Wednesday, Gadkari highlighted how the agricultural waste can be converted into a valuable national resource, and noted that bio-bitumen is a "transformative step" towards the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.

While speaking at CSIR's Technology Transfer Ceremony titled "From Farm Residue to Road: Bio-Bitumen via Pyrolysis", Minister Gadkari said, "Today marks a historic milestone in India's road infrastructure, as the nation becomes the first in the world to commercially produce bio-bitumen.

He congratulated CSIR and its dedicated scientists and thanked Union Minister of State (MoS) for Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions of India, Jitendra Singh, for his constant support in achieving this pioneering breakthrough.

"By utilising agro-waste, bio-bitumen reduces pollution caused by crop burning and strengthens the circular economy. With 15% blending, India can save nearly Rs 4,500 crore in foreign exchange and substantially reduce its dependence on imported crude oil," the minister said.

Gadkari further stated that this innovation will empower farmers, generate rural livelihoods, and boost the rural economy.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Good initiative, but implementation is key. Will the government ensure strict checks on private operators? They often cut corners to save money. Hope this isn't just another announcement that fades away.
A
Aman W
The bio-bitumen part is genius! Converting farm waste into roads solves two big problems - pollution from burning and better infrastructure. This is real 'Jugaad' for nation building. Kudos to the scientists! 🇮🇳
S
Sarah B
As someone who has witnessed a bus accident, I can't stress enough how important emergency exits and hammers are. People panic and can't find a way out. This regulation will save lives.
K
Karthik V
Saving 4500 crore in forex by using agro-waste is a massive win for our economy. Empowering farmers and building roads? Win-win. Gadkari sir is one minister who actually gets things done on the ground.
N
Nisha Z
The drowsiness alarm is a must. Drivers are forced to work long hours without proper rest. The rule is good, but we also need stricter laws on driver working hours and mandatory breaks. Safety is a holistic approach.

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