What we want to achieve

Stricter, realistic bus timings, proper action against racing and aggressive horn use, and regular alcohol and drug checks for private bus drivers across Kerala.

Petition

If you travel anywhere in Kerala, you already know how it feels on the road. Whether you’re in a car, on a two-wheeler, walking, or just trying to cross, private buses often come at you like they’re in a competition nobody else signed up for. Most of us have had those moments when a bus comes too close, when you’re stuck with no space to move, or when a loud horn blasts right behind you and there’s nowhere to go. It’s become so common that many people now just accept it as part of daily travel, even though it really shouldn’t be.

All over the state, people are dealing with buses rushing to pick up passengers, overtaking in unsafe gaps, tailgating vehicles, and using horns aggressively in traffic. When a vehicle is already boxed in, constant honking isn’t a warning anymore. It just creates panic and can easily lead to mistakes or accidents.

According to Kerala Police’s 2025 road accident data, private buses were involved in 2,543 crashes, with 238 deaths and 2,905 injuries. This doesn’t mean every accident was caused by bus drivers, but the numbers are still too high to ignore.

There are also worrying allegations, including claims from within the industry, that some drivers may be using drugs while on duty. These need proper, independent investigation. In fact, Kochi City Police informed the Kerala High Court that 40 cases were booked in around three weeks against private bus drivers for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. These are only registered cases, not convictions, but they clearly show why stronger and regular checks are needed.

This petition is not against bus workers who do their job responsibly. Private buses are a lifeline in Kerala. The real issue is the system, tight schedules, unhealthy competition between buses, weak monitoring, and not enough accountability when rules are broken.

We are asking the authorities to:

1. Review and fix unrealistic bus schedules within 90 days.

2. Ensure proper time gaps between buses on the same routes to stop racing.

3. Install tamper-proof GPS and speed tracking systems.

4. Take strict action against tailgating, dangerous overtaking, constant honking, and illegal pressure horns.

5. Carry out surprise alcohol and drug tests, with proper medical confirmation and fair procedure.

6. Make owners and permit holders responsible for repeated violations and unsafe scheduling.

7. Set up a public portal for video complaints and publish monthly enforcement reports.

Everyone pays taxes, and everyone has the right to use Kerala’s roads without feeling threatened by speeding buses or nonstop horns.

Roads are not race tracks. Please sign this petition and support real, measurable change before more lives are lost.

Sources: Kerala Police Road Accident Statistics 2025; Kochi City Police report submitted before the Kerala High Court, April 2025.