An alarming investigation by Aaj Tak highlights the serious safety violations in private sleeper buses operating in Uttar Pradesh, particularly following a recent tragic accident that claimed five lives. The inquiry, conducted in key cities like Lucknow, Kanpur, Agra, and Prayagraj, unveils a systemic disregard for safety regulations within this mode of transport, which many families prefer for its affordability and ease.

The investigation indicates that illegal modifications, such as welded iron frameworks inside buses, obstructed emergency exits, overcrowded aisles, and incomplete first aid kits, are rampant. Furthermore, some passenger buses are reportedly being used for freight transportation, raising further alarms about passenger safety. Prioritizing profit over safety, these violations are not merely coincidental but are emblematic of a larger problem within the sleeper bus industry, where regulations are flouted systematically.

This report serves as a crucial reminder of the risks associated with choosing low-cost transportation options. Thousands of families opting for sleeper buses based on their price and availability may inadvertently be placing themselves in harm's way. As tragedies like the recent accident unveil the grim reality, there is an urgent need for stricter enforcement of safety standards and a reassessment of the regulations governing sleeper buses in India to protect passengers' lives.