Delhi Mandates Functional Panic Buttons, Bans Curtains on Buses After Minor's Assault
Delhi government issues fresh bus safety rules after a minor's gangrape, requiring functional panic buttons, tracking devices, and banning curtains.
In the wake of the alleged gangrape of a minor inside a moving sleeper bus, the Delhi government has issued a comprehensive set of safety directives for all buses operating in the national capital, including those from other states. The new rules, announced on Tuesday, mandate that safety equipment be functional and that visibility inside buses be unobstructed.
The directives require that Vehicle Location Tracking Devices (VLTDs) and panic buttons remain operational at all times, with panic buttons easily accessible to passengers. The move comes after the August 4 incident, where the victim was allegedly assaulted by the bus driver and conductor. The bus reportedly had curtains drawn over its windows, obscuring the view from outside, and lacked a functional CCTV system, a requirement in place since the 2012 Nirbhaya case.
Transport Minister Dr Pankaj Kumar Singh emphasized that passenger safety is non-negotiable and that all buses must meet prescribed standards. "Safety measures must be implemented in letter and spirit, not merely on paper," he stated, warning of strict action for violations.
A key part of the new rules is a ban on curtains and unauthorised films on bus windows to maintain prescribed transparency. Operators must also ensure buses are parked at night only in authorised, secure, and well-lit locations.
Beyond equipment, the directives focus on crew conduct. Drivers are prohibited from consuming alcohol or any intoxicating substance and must hold valid licenses, uniforms, and PSV badges. Bus operators are required to verify all staff before deployment. In cases of harassment or molestation of a woman, the crew must immediately inform the police and take the bus to the nearest police station or PCR van.
All buses must possess a valid Fitness Certificate and a Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate. Passenger boarding and alighting is restricted to designated stops, and stopping at unsafe or unauthorised locations is prohibited. The Transport Department will enforce these rules under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, with penalties including vehicle impounding and suspension of licenses or permits for violations.