The Ministry of Road Transport & Highways on 21st September 2021 has published the Central Motor Vehicles (Draft Amendment) Rules, 2021 for introducing the Fire Alarm System and Fire Protection System in the Passenger (or Occupant) Compartment in buses, through an amendment in AIS (Automotive Industry Standard)-135.
At present, fire detection, alarm and suppression systems are notified for fires originating from the engine compartment only.
The draft amendment is intended for fire detection and protection in the passenger compartment for Type III buses [‘Type III’ buses are those designed and constructed for long distance seated passenger transport) and School Buses. A water mist- based active fire protection system has been designed and developed along with a fire alarm system. Simulation studies have demonstrated that the designed system is able to manage the temperature in the passenger compartment within 50 degree C centigrade in less than 30 seconds of mist operation.
Therefore the provisions of AIS-135 shall be applicable to Type III buses, which are manufactured on and after the 1st day of October, 2022.
