12 Kolkata: In a move to improve passenger comfort and safety, the state transport department has issued a fresh directive mandating strict adherence to revised technical standards during the inspection of buses, including mini-buses, school buses, and contract carriages, for initial registration and renewal of fitness certificates.The latest order came after the department received a significant number of complaints from transport organisations and the public.Issues frequently highlighted include the excessive height of steps, narrow doorways, cramped seating arrangements, and lack of legroom — problems that particularly affect senior citizens, women with children, and persons with mobility issues.In response, the governor has approved detailed specifications that must now be strictly enforced. Grab rails must be installed at all entrances and exits except emergency exits. The step height should range between 25 cm and 43 cm from the ground. The door width of entry and exit points must be at least 53 cm wide and each seat must offer a minimum of 38 sq.cm of space with a clear 66 cm distance between seat backs. Gangways must allow at least 31 cm of clear space. All stage carriage buses must be equipped with rearview mirrors that are appropriately positioned just like those in AC buses. The guideline also emphasised that vehicles must be clean and well-maintained and free from structural disrepair. The dangerous iron angle projections on the sides of vehicles are strictly forbidden. There must be functional first-aid kits and fire extinguishers available onboard. Driver cabins, window designs, tyre conditions and overall seating arrangements must all comply with the earlier specifications under the relevant rules and as per the 2008 notification. All required structural modifications must be completed either before the vehicle's next fitness inspection or within six months — whichever comes first. Kolkata: In a move to improve passenger comfort and safety, the state transport department has issued a fresh directive mandating strict adherence to revised technical standards during the inspection of buses, including mini-buses, school buses, and contract carriages, for initial registration and renewal of fitness certificates.The latest order came after the department received a significant number of complaints from transport organisations and the public. Issues frequently highlighted include the excessive height of steps, narrow doorways, cramped seating arrangements, and lack of legroom — problems that particularly affect senior citizens, women with children, and persons with mobility issues.In response, the governor has approved detailed specifications that must now be strictly enforced. Grab rails must be installed at all entrances and exits except emergency exits. The step height should range between 25 cm and 43 cm from the ground. The door width of entry and exit points must be at least 53 cm wide and each seat must offer a minimum of 38 sq.cm of space with a clear 66 cm distance between seat backs. Gangways must allow at least 31 cm of clear space. All stage carriage buses must be equipped with rearview mirrors that are appropriately positioned just like those in AC buses. The guideline also emphasised that vehicles must be clean and well-maintained and free from structural disrepair. The dangerous iron angle projections on the sides of vehicles are strictly forbidden. There must be functional first-aid kits and fire extinguishers available onboard. Driver cabins, window designs, tyre conditions and overall seating arrangements must all comply with the earlier specifications under the relevant rules and as per the 2008 notification. All required structural modifications must be completed either before the vehicle's next fitness inspection or within six months — whichever comes first.