ICAT issues first compliance certificate for 15-metre multi-axle sleeper bus
Synopsis
For the first time, ICAT has certified a 15-metre multi-axle sleeper bus — the longest permissible bus configuration in India — awarding the compliance certificate to Synaty Automotive under AIS-119 and AIS-153 standards. The milestone signals a new benchmark for long-distance passenger transport safety and regulatory rigour in the country.
Key Takeaways
ICAT issued its first-ever compliance certificate for a 15-metre multi-axle sleeper bus on 26 August .
The certificate was awarded to Synaty Automotive Pvt.
Ltd. under standards AIS-119 and AIS-153 of the CMVR.
The fully sleeper variant accommodates 42 berths ; the hybrid version offers 21 berths and 42 seats .
The bus was tested for vehicle safety, structural integrity, fire protection, and passenger comfort.
The Ministry of Heavy Industries called the certification a significant milestone in advanced passenger transport evaluation.
The International Centre for Automotive Technology (ICAT) has issued its first-ever compliance certificate for a 15-metre multi-axle sleeper bus, marking a landmark moment in India's passenger transport certification landscape. The Ministry of Heavy Industries announced the development on Wednesday, 26 August, describing it as a significant step in evaluating one of the longest permissible bus-body configurations in the country.
Who Received the Certificate
The certificate was awarded to Synaty Automotive Pvt. Ltd., a passenger vehicle manufacturer, under automotive standards AIS-119 and AIS-153 in accordance with the applicable provisions of the Central Motor Vehicles Rules (CMVR). The formal handover was conducted by Saurabh Dalela, Director, ICAT, to Naresh Kumar Yadav, Managing Director, Synaty Automotive Pvt. Ltd., in the presence of senior ICAT officials.
Key Features of the Certified Bus
Designed for long-distance passenger transportation, the bus prioritises structural strength, fire protection, emergency safety, passenger movement, and travel comfort. The fully sleeper variant accommodates 42 berths, while the hybrid configuration offers 21 berths along with 42 seats. The vehicle was evaluated against requirements covering vehicle safety, structural integrity, passenger accommodation, and comfort as prescribed under relevant automotive standards and the CMVR.
What the Certification Signals
The certification under AIS-119 and AIS-153 underscores ICAT's technical capacity to assess advanced passenger vehicle configurations and support manufacturers in meeting regulatory requirements. Notably, this is the first time ICAT has certified a bus of this length and complexity, reflecting growing demand for safer and more comfortable long-distance travel solutions across India.
What Officials Said
Speaking at the handover, Saurabh Dalela described the certification as a significant achievement, saying it demonstrated ICAT's capabilities in testing and certifying advanced passenger vehicles. He added that the milestone reinforced the organisation's commitment to passenger safety, regulatory compliance, and technological advancement. Naresh Kumar Yadav expressed appreciation for the certification, stating it would strengthen Synaty Automotive's efforts to deliver safe, reliable, and comfortable long-distance transport solutions.
What Comes Next
With this certification in place, Synaty Automotive is positioned to commercially deploy the 15-metre multi-axle sleeper bus on long-distance routes. The development could encourage other manufacturers to pursue similar certifications, potentially raising the bar for safety and comfort standards in India's intercity bus segment.
Point of View
And this certification is a meaningful, if incremental, step toward closing that gap. The 15-metre multi-axle sleeper configuration has operated in a regulatory grey zone for years — manufacturers building to demand rather than to a certified standard. ICAT's move sets a precedent, but the real test is whether other manufacturers follow through on certification rather than operating non-compliant fleets under lax enforcement. The Ministry of Heavy Industries' visibility on this announcement suggests policy intent; whether that translates into mandatory compliance timelines for the broader fleet remains the question mainstream coverage has not yet asked.
NationPress
26 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the ICAT compliance certificate for the 15-metre multi-axle sleeper bus?
It is India's first compliance certificate issued by the International Centre for Automotive Technology (ICAT) for a 15-metre multi-axle sleeper bus, awarded to Synaty Automotive Pvt. Ltd. under automotive standards AIS-119 and AIS-153 in accordance with the Central Motor Vehicles Rules (CMVR). The certificate validates the bus's safety, structural integrity, and passenger comfort standards.
Who received the ICAT compliance certificate?
Synaty Automotive Pvt. Ltd. received the certificate. It was formally handed over by ICAT Director Saurabh Dalela to Synaty Automotive Managing Director Naresh Kumar Yadav on 26 August.
What are the passenger capacity details of the certified bus?
The 15-metre multi-axle sleeper bus comes in two configurations: a fully sleeper variant with 42 berths, and a hybrid variant offering 21 berths along with 42 seats, catering to different long-distance travel needs.
Why does this certification matter for Indian passengers?
It sets a regulatory benchmark for one of the longest permissible bus-body configurations in India, ensuring that vehicles of this type meet verified safety, structural, and comfort standards before deployment on long-distance routes. It also signals ICAT's growing capacity to certify advanced passenger vehicle formats.
What standards were applied in the certification process?
The bus was certified under AIS-119 and AIS-153 in accordance with the Central Motor Vehicles Rules (CMVR), covering vehicle safety, structural integrity, passenger accommodation, fire protection, and overall travel comfort.
