Karnataka has sent a team of officials from the Transport Department to Kurnool in Andhra Pradesh, where at least 19 passengers were reportedly charred to death and several others injured when a luxury private bus travelling from Hyderabad to Bengaluru caught fire early on Friday (October 24, 2025). The officials have been instructed to identify victims from Karnataka and extend necessary assistance to their families.
Speaking to The Hindu, Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy said, “We are still verifying details about how many victims are from Karnataka. I have already directed RTO officials from Bagepalli in Karnataka to travel to Kurnool, where the accident occurred, to coordinate with local authorities, gather information about the victims, and assist their families.”
Also read: Kurnool bus fire live updates
On the bus involved in the incident, the Minister clarified that it was operating with valid permissions under an All India Permit. “As per information received from officials, this particular bus had all the necessary permits to ply between Bengaluru and Hyderabad. All India Permit vehicles are allowed to operate on any route across the country and are not restricted to fixed routes,” he said.
Over 25 killed as luxury bus catches fire in Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh
Over 25 killed as luxury bus catches fire in Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh
| Video Credit:
The Hindu
Minister recalls 2013 safety directive
Recalling a similar tragedy in 2013, when a private luxury bus caught fire on the Bengaluru–Hyderabad National Highway killing 45 passengers, Mr. Reddy said that significant safety measures were introduced following that incident. “During my earlier tenure as Transport Minister in 2013, I had directed all Regional Transport Offices (RTOs) to ensure that all private as well as State-run buses were equipped with an additional emergency exit apart from the main door to facilitate quick evacuation during emergencies,” he said.
Mr. Reddy added that the 2013 decision was crucial because many luxury AC sleeper buses had sealed windows, forcing passengers to break them using hammers to escape during accidents. “Following the directive, around 50,000 buses in the State, including KSRTC and private operators, were retrofitted with extra emergency doors,” he explained.
Transport Department officials reiterated that speed restrictions are already in place for State-run buses. “KSRTC buses are limited to a top speed of 80 km/h to enhance safety on highways. Drivers are also advised to stick to the two left lanes to allow faster vehicles to overtake,” said an official.
Motorists raise concerns
Meanwhile, the tragic incident has focused attention on the Bengaluru–Hyderabad highway, a crucial but increasingly congested corridor. Motorists have raised concerns about the road’s safety and the behaviour of some drivers along the route.
Sagar Kumar, a regular commuter, described the stretch as “super risky.” He said, “Driving on the Hyderabad–Bengaluru highway is not unsafe because of poor roads, but because of the driving etiquette. This highway should technically have six lanes with four-lane service roads. It’s a nightmare even during the day. Many private bus operators also cut corners on safety measures. I stopped travelling by bus on this route for these reasons.”
Transport officials said that while the approximately 100-km stretch from Bengaluru up to the Karnataka border near Bagepalli is in relatively good condition, monitoring overspeeding and enforcing safety norms remain priorities. “After this accident, we will explore how to strengthen checks on speed violations and improve surveillance along the route,” an official added.
The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) was unavailable for comment at the time of publication.
Published – October 24, 2025 02:48 pm IST
