The Union Government informed the Rajya Sabha that at least 64 people were killed in 45 bus fire incidents during operations across India over the last three years, up to December 10, 2025. These figures, recorded on the Electronic Detailed Accident Report (eDAR) system, highlight persistent safety concerns in public and private bus transport. Rajasthan accounted for the highest number of fatalities at 45, despite fewer incidents overall. Maharashtra reported the most incidents with nine, followed by Madhya Pradesh with eight, and Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka each recording six. The data was presented by Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari in response to a question from AAP MP Narain Dass Gupta on the rising trend of such accidents. Notably, these statistics exclude a major October 24, 2025, crash in Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh, where a bus fire following a collision killed 25 people.

The disclosure underscores vulnerabilities in bus operations, often linked to electrical faults, fuel leaks, or mechanical failures. Many incidents involved sleeper coaches or long-distance services where fires spread rapidly due to confined spaces and materials. States with high interstate traffic, such as Maharashtra and Rajasthan, featured prominently in the records. The eDAR system, implemented to improve accident reporting accuracy, provided the basis for these compiled figures. Lawmakers expressed concern over recurring tragedies, prompting calls for stricter enforcement of safety protocols. The reply emphasised that most fires occurred during operation, excluding stationary or post-crash scenarios in some cases.

In response to these incidents, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has implemented several regulatory enhancements. In 2016, it revised AIS 119 standards for sleeper bus construction, mandating enhanced fire safety features. These include equipping buses with two fire extinguishers totalling 10 kg capacity—one near the driver and another in the passenger area. Buses up to 12 metres require four emergency exits, with longer vehicles needing an additional exit. The rules prohibit separation between driver and passenger compartments and require fire detection and suppression systems in engine compartments.

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A March 2024 notification further extended these standards to buses built by non-original equipment manufacturers, effective September 2025, covering vehicles with over 22 passenger seats. This move aims to regulate the large segment of bodybuilders operating outside major manufacturers' oversight. The government highlighted these measures as proactive steps to mitigate risks, including improved materials and design mandates.

The parliamentary disclosure has renewed focus on road safety amid India's expanding bus fleet and highway network. Advocacy groups have long demanded real-time monitoring and mandatory fire audits for older vehicles. While fatalities remain tragic, officials noted gradual improvements through standardised reporting and enforcement.

As implementation of newer rules approaches, stakeholders anticipate reduced incidents through broader compliance. The data serves as a reminder of the human cost of lapses, urging coordinated efforts between states and operators. Future sessions may see follow-up questions on enforcement effectiveness and additional preventive technologies. The government's transparency in sharing state-wise details aids targeted interventions. Overall, the figures reinforce the urgency of prioritising passenger safety in public transport policy. Road transport remains vital for millions, making robust safeguards essential for public confidence.

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