IntrCity SmartBus has joined hands with coach builders MG Group and S.M. Kannappa Automobiles to address key safety gaps highlighted by recent bus fire incidents across the country. Together, they have released a technical white paper titled “Bus Safety Standards in India: Facts, Advancements & the Road Ahead”, calling for a shift from rules on paper to stronger enforcement on ground.
The white paper comes at an important time, as India’s intercity mobility sector is under public scrutiny for passenger safety and infrastructure gaps. It brings together insights from certified coach builders, the engineers who design and build most of India’s buses, and explains that while India’s AIS safety standards are strong, the real issues lie in uneven compliance and weak inspection practices.
It highlights that many recent incidents were caused by electrical alterations, overloading, and poor maintenance. It also notes that IntrCity SmartBus works only with certified, compliant manufacturers, ensuring that all partner fleets follow approved safety norms.
IntrCity SmartBus has proposed setting up a National Bus Safety Code, along with uniform enforcement by all state transport authorities. It has also recommended mandatory safety announcements for passengers on long-haul routes. The company stressed the need for regular awareness programs for drivers, operators, and passengers to build a strong safety-first culture across the sector.
“IntrCity SmartBus’ vision is to make long-distance bus travel safer, standardized, and transparent,” said, Dinesh Rathi, VP – Bus Transformation Team, IntrCity SmartBus. “With this white paper, we want to bring clarity to the conversation by putting facts, engineering insights, and on-ground realities at the center. Our goal is to shift the discussion toward practical steps the industry can take today – from better compliance to stronger oversight — so that safety becomes a built-in expectation for every passenger, not an afterthought.”
Industry experts who contributed to the paper, Vaibhav Narang, Director, S.M. Kannappa Automobiles; and the MG Group leadership team — Prasad Chougale (Design Engineering Head) and Sivakumar (President, Strategy & Sales), emphasized the urgent need for nationwide safety enforcement.
“The standards exist – they are not the problem. What’s missing is accountability. Operators must treat compliance not as an option but as a responsibility to every passenger on board,” said Vaibhav Narang, Director, S.M. Kannappa Automobiles.
The experts noted that basic preventive steps like regular maintenance, trained drivers, and avoiding unauthorized electrical fittings can significantly reduce risks. Reflecting this, the MG Group team said, “Safety should never be traded for lower costs. India can meet European safety levels if adherence becomes non-negotiable.”
