Odisha bus owners directed to ensure full fire safety compliance within three months

In the wake of recent tragic bus fire incidents in Andhra Pradesh and Rajasthan, the Odisha government has decided to implement stringent fire safety measures across all buses operating in the state. The Odisha Fire Services Directorate has issued an official notification outlining a comprehensive action plan to ensure passenger safety and prevent similar mishaps.

According to the directive, awareness camps on fire safety will be organised at every major bus stand across the state. In the first phase, the focus will be on sensitising staff and owners of night buses, which are more prone to fire hazards.

All bus owners have been instructed to ensure full fire safety compliance within three months. The new guidelines mandate the use of fire-resistant materials such as non-flammable seat covers, curtains, and carpets to reduce the risk of fire spreading inside buses.

The notification further specifies that fire detection systems must be installed near critical components such as the battery, air-conditioning unit, and engine. These systems will be regularly inspected to ensure functionality. Every bus will also be required to carry an adequate number of fire extinguishers, and their operational condition will be verified during inspections.

Authorities will conduct quarterly state-level reviews to monitor the implementation and effectiveness of these safety measures. Additionally, checks will be carried out to ensure that emergency exit doors are functional and that passengers and staff are aware of how to operate them during emergencies.

Significantly, the directive makes it mandatory for all buses registered after October 2025 to be equipped with both fire detection and suppression systems.

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The Odisha Fire Services Directorate emphasised that the initiative aims to strengthen preventive measures and enhance passenger safety standards in public transport across the state.