Udupi: The district administration has held discussions with city bus owners and decided to make it mandatory to install doors in all buses operating within the city limits, citing public safety and the safety of students as the primary concern. While directing that doors must be fitted at the earliest, the administration has granted time until June 1 to comply with the directive, considering practical difficulties raised by bus operators.
According to a statement issued by the Deputy Commissioner, the decision was taken after taking into account factors such as the ongoing academic year, student examinations and the limited availability of garages equipped to carry out door installation work. The administration noted that immediate compliance by all operators may not be feasible under the current circumstances, and hence the deadline was extended.
Safety concerns prompt directive
The move comes amid growing concerns over passenger safety, particularly incidents involving students and daily commuters travelling while standing on bus footboards. Officials said the absence of doors increases the risk of falls, especially during peak hours when buses are overcrowded.
The district administration emphasised that installing doors is a crucial safety measure and will help prevent accidents caused by passengers leaning out or travelling unsafely. Bus owners were told that the directive is aimed at reducing avoidable injuries and ensuring safer public transport within the city.
Deadline fixed after consultations
During the meeting, representatives of city bus owners expressed concerns about the feasibility of installing doors immediately. They pointed out that many buses are currently engaged in transporting students during the examination season and that taking vehicles off the road for modifications could disrupt services.
They also highlighted the limited number of workshops capable of carrying out such installations within a short period. Taking these issues into consideration, the administration agreed to provide time until June 1 for all buses to be fitted with doors.
Fitness certificate renewal linked to compliance
The Deputy Commissioner clarified that buses whose fitness certificates (FC) are due for renewal will be permitted to renew them only on the condition that doors are installed by the stipulated deadline. Officials of the transport and enforcement departments have been instructed to allow renewal only if the buses meet all eligibility criteria and comply with the safety directive.
This condition, officials said, is intended to ensure that operators take the requirement seriously and adhere to the timeline without further extensions.
Strict action after deadline
The administration has made it clear that strict action will be initiated against bus owners who fail to install doors by June 1. Such action will be taken in accordance with existing rules and regulations governing public transport services.
Officials said enforcement measures would be intensified after the deadline, and no leniency would be shown once sufficient time has been provided for compliance.
Awareness drive until doors are fitted
Until doors are installed in all buses, the Deputy Commissioner has directed officials to create awareness among the public and students about the dangers of travelling on footboards. Bus owners and staff have also been asked to cooperate by discouraging unsafe travel practices.
The administration believes that a combination of awareness and enforcement will help reduce risks in the interim period before full compliance is achieved.
Focus on student safety
Officials noted that student safety remains a key concern, as many school and college students rely on city buses for daily travel. Preventing footboard travel and ensuring buses are equipped with doors is expected to significantly reduce the chances of accidents involving young commuters.
Commitment to safer public transport
The district administration reiterated its commitment to improving safety standards in public transport and urged bus owners to cooperate fully in implementing the directive within the given timeframe.
With the June 1 deadline in place, authorities hope that all city buses will soon be equipped with doors, contributing to safer and more regulated travel for passengers across the city.