Transport Department to Deny Fitness Certificates for Non-Compliant Buses
Kolkata, May 11: In a decisive move to enhance passenger safety and comfort, the West Bengal Transport Department has announced that any stage carriage — including buses and minibuses — failing to meet ergonomic and safety standards will be denied a Certificate of Fitness.
According to an official notification issued on Sunday, buses with insufficient legroom, cramped seating, or altered ergonomic configurations will no longer be eligible for operational clearance. This comes in response to a growing number of complaints from commuters, particularly concerning excessive step heights, lack of knee space, and overall discomfort in many public transport vehicles.
Focus on Vulnerable Passengers
“These problems mainly affect senior citizens, women with children, and those with leg or knee conditions,” a transport department official stated, highlighting the urgent need for accessible and inclusive transport infrastructure.The directive mandates that bus and minibus operators immediately implement the new comfort and safety specifications. Transport and police authorities will conduct routine inspections to ensure compliance, the notification added.
Mandatory Specifications for Fitness Certification
In line with existing provisions under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, and state transport rules, the new directive outlines several non-negotiable standards:- Grab rails must be installed at every entrance
- Minimum seat-back spacing of 66 cm in a two-by-two layout
- Gangway clearance must not be less than 31 cm
- Properly adjusted rearview mirrors to minimize blind spots
Crackdown on Poor Maintenance and Unsafe Modifications
The transport department expressed concern over the poor condition of many buses, emphasizing that dirty, cluttered, or poorly maintained vehicles will not be tolerated. The use of protruding iron nails or rods, as well as resoled or worn-out tyres, has been explicitly banned.Operators must ensure that all structural modifications are carried out before the next fitness check or within six months, whichever comes first.
Governor's Assent Secures Enforcement
The notification, which strengthens an earlier order from April 11, 2008, has received official assent from Governor CV Ananda Bose and has been approved by the state government.With this move, the West Bengal government aims to create a safer, more comfortable public transport system, aligning with long-term goals of passenger welfare and sustainable urban mobility.