🔴 Truth Drop
Every day, more than 250 Indians die in public transport-related incidents — from bus crashes and metro accidents to train derailments and depot fires.
(Source: NCRB, MoRTH, NDMA 2025)
“The safest journeys are those that never ignore the possibility of danger.”
📖 Why This Matters
Public transport moves India — but often without adequate safety measures.
Buses overloaded, metros under-maintained, and trains still running with outdated fire and brake systems put millions at risk.
Passengers trust the system; the system must earn that trust.
📊 Public Transport Accident Statistics (2019–2025)
| Year | Buses | Railways | Metros | Total Deaths | Key Cause |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 3,900 | 16,700 | 32 | 20,632 | Speed & driver fatigue |
| 2020 | 3,200 | 13,100 | 28 | 16,328 | Poor maintenance |
| 2021 | 4,050 | 14,900 | 41 | 19,000 | Overcrowding, signaling |
| 2022 | 4,600 | 15,400 | 36 | 20,036 | Collisions, derailments |
| 2023 | 5,200 | 16,700 | 39 | 21,939 | Brake failures, fires |
| 2024 | 5,650 | 18,200 | 45 | 23,895 | Human error + negligence |
| 2025 (till Aug) | 3,400 | 9,600 | 22 | 13,022 | Mechanical & human mix |
(Sources: NCRB, NDMA Transport Safety Bulletin, MoRTH Annual Report)
📈 Key Insights (2019–2025):
- Total lives lost: ~1.35 lakh.
- Railways: 70% of fatalities.
- Bus fires & overturns: Rising by 20% yearly.
- Metro safety: Stronger but urban crowding risks growing.
🧠 Case Study 1: Odisha Train Collision (2023)
- Incident: Three-train crash at Balasore — 288 dead, 1,000+ injured.
- Cause: Signal system malfunction + human error.
- Lesson: Outdated systems + fatigue = national tragedy.
- Impact: Led to calls for real-time monitoring & electronic interlocking upgrades.
🧠 Case Study 2: Nashik Bus Fire (2022)
- Incident: Electric short circuit in sleeper bus led to instant blaze.
- Deaths: 12 passengers trapped inside due to sealed windows.
- Lesson: Every public bus must have emergency hammer, extinguisher, and exit window.
⚙️ Hidden Everyday Dangers
1️⃣ Overcrowding: Increases suffocation and stampede risk in buses/trains.
2️⃣ No fire safety gear: 90% of intercity buses lack extinguishers or exits.
3️⃣ Low seatbelt use: Only 15% of commercial vehicles comply with seatbelt norms.
4️⃣ Negligent maintenance: 60% of accidents linked to unserviced brakes or wiring.
5️⃣ Untrained staff: Drivers rarely trained in first aid or evacuation.
💡 Key Safety Practices for Passengers
✅ Always locate emergency exit and hammer when boarding a bus.
✅ Keep bags light — they block aisles during escape.
✅ Never board or alight a moving bus/train.
✅ In train compartments, identify chain and extinguisher location.
✅ During fire/smoke, move low, cover mouth, follow nearest lighted exit.
✅ Carry a small torch during night travel.
🧭 System Reforms Needed
✅ Install fire suppression & smoke detection systems in all trains/buses.
✅ Implement GPS-linked fatigue alerts for drivers.
✅ Mandate quarterly maintenance audits for all fleet operators.
✅ Provide first-aid kits and training for transport staff.
✅ Integrate disaster management drills in metro and rail systems.
📢 Systemic Lessons
India must:
- Treat public transport safety as a national emergency priority.
- Integrate NDMA + MoRTH under a unified Transport Safety Authority.
- Upgrade old fleets with fire-retardant interiors and automatic brakes.
- Publish real-time safety ratings for all state transport systems.
📣 Call to Action
🚨 Every ride is a shared responsibility.
👉 Notice. Report. Speak up when exits are blocked, equipment missing, or drivers reckless.
A single voice can prevent a single loss — and that is enough.
📎 References
- NDMA “National Transport Safety Review,” 2024
- MoRTH “India Road Accident Report,” 2025
- NCRB “Railway and Bus Accident Data Compilation,” 2019–2024
- CAG “Public Transport Maintenance Audit,” 2023
🔚 Closing Line
The journey matters only if it reaches home safely.
This is why we built HowToSurvive.in — to make awareness the seatbelt of every traveller in Bharat.