Bengaluru KSRTC Installs Dash Cams On Sleeper Buses
Bengaluru’s long-distance bus network is taking a major step toward enhancing passenger safety with the planned installation of dash cams and onboard cameras across the entire sleeper bus fleet of the Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC). The decision follows a series of high-profile fire incidents and accidents on state and national highways, which have raised public concerns over overnight travel safety. Officials emphasise that these measures aim to improve monitoring of driver behaviour, reduce risk during journeys, and strengthen emergency response capabilities.
The move is part of a broader strategy to integrate technology-driven safety protocols within the state-owned operator’s diverse fleet, which includes Pallakki, Ambaari, and Corona series buses. Modern sleeper coaches are already equipped with Fire Detection and Suppression Systems (FDSS), designed to detect early signs of fire and activate containment measures in high-risk zones such as engine compartments. Authorities report that these systems can automatically trigger suppression mechanisms and alert onboard personnel, minimising the potential for catastrophic damage.
Beyond fire safety, KSRTC has systematically introduced multiple passenger protection features. Premium category buses now carry first-aid kits, clearly marked emergency exits, fire extinguishers, panic buttons, and emergency hammers. The dash cams and saloon cameras not only monitor driving patterns but also document compliance with onboard safety protocols, allowing management to identify unsafe practices or respond swiftly to incidents. Urban transport experts highlight that these technologies could become a benchmark for state-run transport services, blending operational oversight with passenger-centric safety design.
Commuters are also being encouraged to actively engage with safety infrastructure. KSRTC has issued guidelines detailing the location and use of emergency exits and equipment, with diagrams illustrating optimal evacuation routes. Passengers are advised to use emergency hammers on designated window corners to facilitate rapid escape during critical situations. According to officials, such awareness can significantly reduce casualties during emergencies while complementing technical safety measures.The initiative comes amid rising public demand for stronger regulation and monitoring of long-distance travel, particularly for overnight services. Analysts note that integrating surveillance technologies into public transport aligns with broader trends in urban mobility governance, where data-driven monitoring and preventive safety measures increasingly inform infrastructure planning and operational policies.
As Bengaluru and Karnataka expand road connectivity and long-distance travel options, KSRTC’s adoption of dash cams and safety-focused monitoring represents a convergence of technology, governance, and citizen safety. Moving forward, consistent implementation and passenger education will be critical to translating these measures into tangible reductions in accidents and emergency risks, while reinforcing public trust in state-run transport systems.
