Punjab Told to Inspect All Buses Under Mukhyamantri Teerth Yatra
The National Human Rights Commission has directed Punjab to carry out a thorough inspection of every bus used under the Mukhyamantri Teerth Yatra Yojana, after receiving complaints that the sleeper buses meant for elderly and economically disadvantaged pilgrims may be unsafe.
The Commission has taken note of allegations that the buses were structurally modified without permission. These include partitions and doors between the driver's cabin and the passenger area, blocked emergency exits and windows, and gaps in arrangements for fire detection, fire fighting and emergency evacuation.
In a notice issued under Section 12 of the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993, a bench headed by Priyank Kanoongo asked the Chief Secretary of Punjab and the Secretary of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways to respond. The bench made clear that a welfare scheme cannot put its beneficiaries' lives at risk and that the safety of senior pilgrims must be protected at all times.
The NHRC had already looked into bus accidents and passenger safety lapses involving cabin designs that separate the driver from passengers. Such a layout, the Commission has observed, can delay the detection of fire, restrict communication and block escape routes during emergencies. The Commission had previously sought replies from the road transport ministry, the director of the Central Institute of Road Transport in Pune and state governments, Punjab included.
The Chief Secretary has been told to personally ensure that all buses operating under the scheme are inspected immediately and comprehensively. Any bus found in violation of mandatory safety norms must be kept off the road until the faults are rectified and the competent authority confirms compliance.
Both authorities have been given seven days to file detailed action-taken reports. The Punjab report should cover the total number of buses in operation, the number inspected, the defects identified, corrective measures adopted, the number of non-compliant buses withdrawn, and the steps taken to fix accountability among officials and operators. A routine forwarding of departmental replies or a general assurance of compliance will not suffice.
The ministry must examine whether applicable bus body design standards, automotive industry standards and CIRT guidelines are being followed. It has also been asked to review enforcement steps taken in earlier cases and to report on concrete measures to end the operation of unsafe sleeper buses and prevent recurring fatal accidents.
The Commission reiterated that human life comes first and that passenger safety standards are not optional. Welfare initiatives funded by the government must uphold the dignity and safety of the people they serve. The NHRC expects its directions to be followed strictly and on time, and has warned that any failure to submit a credible report will be taken very seriously.