Jaipur: In the wake of the tragic bus fire near Jaisalmer that claimed several lives, Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma has taken swift action, issuing stern directives to tighten compliance and accountability within the State Transport Department.
Reacting to initial investigations, the Chief Minister ordered a comprehensive audit of buses operating under the current Board regulations, calling for strict scrutiny of vehicle fitness and safety certification protocols. The bus involved in the fire was found to be registered in Chittorgarh, and discrepancies in its inspection process have now come under the scanner.
Officials Held Accountable
Transport officials responsible for examining the ill-fated vehicle have been suspended pending further inquiry. Surendra Singh Gehlot, District Transport Officer (DTO) of Chittorgarh, along with Chunnilal, another officer from the regional transport office, have been relieved of their duties for alleged negligence.
A senior government official familiar with the matter stated, “The suspended officials had certified the bus as roadworthy. Given the scale of this tragedy, any lapse in inspection will not be tolerated.”
Chief Minister’s Orders to Transport Department
CM Sharma has directed the Transport Department to initiate statewide inspections of all registered buses, especially private ones operating long-distance routes. The focus will be on verifying fitness certificates, emergency safety compliance, and adherence to Board-mandated standards.
In an internal communication, Sharma emphasized the need for zero-tolerance toward oversight failures, instructing senior transport officials to submit a detailed compliance report within a week.
What Happened?
The horrific incident occurred just minutes after the bus departed from Jaisalmer en route to Jodhpur. A sudden fire engulfed the vehicle, reportedly aggravated by a jammed exit door, leaving passengers trapped inside. Over 20 people lost their lives, while several others sustained critical injuries.
The state government has since announced compensation for the victims’ families and promised a high-level probe into the incident.
