A recent reality check conducted by Aaj Tak on the sleeper buses along the Kanpur-Jhansi highway highlights serious safety violations that compromise passenger security. The investigation uncovered instances of overloading, as well as numerous safety features being neglected. Emergency exit doors were found to be locked, and windows were jammed shut, creating a potentially hazardous environment for passengers in case of an emergency.

In addition to these alarming findings, essential safety equipment such as retro-reflectors and medical kits were notably absent from many of the buses inspected. This lack of essential safety gear raises concerns about the readiness of these transport vehicles to handle emergencies effectively. Furthermore, it was reported that metal objects were being transported with passengers, further increasing the risk of injury in the event of sudden stops or accidents.

The situation calls for immediate regulatory intervention to ensure that sleeper bus services comply with safety standards. With the increase in demand for sleeper buses, authorities must prioritize passenger safety by enforcing existing regulations more strictly and ensuring that all transportation providers adhere to the necessary safety protocols to prevent any tragic incidents in the future.