What Steps is the Rajasthan Government Taking to Investigate the Jaisalmer Bus Tragedy?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- The Rajasthan government has initiated a five-member committee for investigation.
- 22 lives were lost in the Jaisalmer bus fire tragedy.
- 66 buses have been seized for compliance checks.
- Central Institute of Road Transport (CIRT) is involved for an independent review.
- Transport unions are encouraged to ensure bus safety compliance.
Jaipur, Oct 16 (NationPress) The government of Rajasthan has established a five-member committee to investigate the tragic bus fire in Jaisalmer, which resulted in 22 fatalities and numerous injuries.
O.P. Bunkar, the Additional Transport Commissioner (Administration) and Joint Secretary of the Transport and Road Safety Department, reported that, following the devastating Jaisalmer bus incident, the department has commenced a thorough and sensitive inquiry.
He mentioned that a team from the Regional Transport Office in Jodhpur is currently examining buses produced by Jainam Coach Crafter, Jodhpur. To date, 66 buses have been confiscated and are under review to confirm adherence to the established Bus Body Code standards during their manufacturing.
In order to facilitate a comprehensive investigation, the Transport and Road Safety Department of the State Government has formed a high-level five-member committee led by the Additional Transport Commissioner (Administration) and Joint Secretary.
This committee includes Omprakash Bunkar (Chairman), Dharmendra Kumar (Regional Transport Officer-II), Ravi Soni (Executive Director, Mechanical, Rajasthan State Road Transport Corporation), Hanuman Singh (Joint General Manager, Central Workshop, Jodhpur), and Navneet Batad (Motors Vehicle Inspector, Headquarters). Bunkar indicated that the committee will thoroughly examine the transport, departmental, and technical facets of the Jaisalmer bus tragedy.
The committee is tasked with advancing the investigation. To ensure a rigorous and unbiased technical review, the State Government has reached out to the Central Institute of Road Transport (CIRT) in Pune to evaluate the situation.
The CIRT team is anticipated to arrive in Jaisalmer later this week and will subsequently provide a detailed report to the State Government.
The Transport Department has urged all bus transport unions to fully cooperate with the inspection initiative and to guarantee that buses are only operated after implementing all requisite safety enhancements in line with stipulated standards.