Due to the ban on curtains and tinted glass on vehicles post Nirbhaya case, the luxury coaches move without curtains thus causing discomfort to the tourists, especially foreigners, Kanwarjit Singh Sawhney, Hony. Secretary, Indian Tourist Transporters Association highlighted this and more during his conversation with T3
In the aftermath of the horrific Nirbhaya gang rape in 2012, the Supreme Court of India took significant steps to enhance the safety of women in public transportation. Among these measures was the ban on tinted glass, black films, and heavy curtains on all vehicles, aimed at ensuring visibility into and out of the buses. While this decision was well-intentioned, it has had profound consequences for the tourist transportation sector, particularly those operating luxury coaches with All India Tourist Permits (AITP), said Kanwarjit Singh Sawhney, Hony. Secretary, Indian Tourist Transporters Association.
“The basis point was that the view should be clear from both inside and outside of the bus. Our buses are tourist coaches with All India Tourist Permits (AITP), and according to the Motor Vehicles Act, it is mandatory for tourist coaches to have curtains,” he said, pointing out the issues faced.
The tourist transporters including Sawhney who operate under the Motor Vehicle Act requiring curtains on tourist coaches, found themselves in a dilemma post the ban. Initially hesitant to approach the Supreme Court for a clarification, the transporters were eventually compelled to seek judicial intervention due to repeated fines by the Delhi Police. However, their appeal was rejected, with the Court treating all buses uniformly, said Sawhney, adding that the operators had no choice but to move the luxury and super-luxury coaches without curtains and using clear windows.
Despite the good intention behind this issue, it led tourists, especially foreigners, to face several challenges including privacy and safety concerns, he added. “The foreign tourists particularly face issues like unwanted stare from the people outside the bus which makes them feel unsafe. Also, it enables thieves to spot valuable items like cameras, mobile, thus invading the privacy and increasing the risk of theft,” Sawhney added. The removal of curtains has also led to significant discomfort for tourists, particularly during the intense Indian summers. The direct sunlight entering through large windows heats up the interiors, making air conditioning less effective and causing stress and discomfort for passengers.
When asked if any steps or actions taken to overcome this problem, Sawhney explained that despite repeated appeals to various authorities, including the Delhi State Transport Authority, the Ministry of Tourism and the Delhi Traffic Police, no solution has been found. “All our meetings have gone without bearing fruits as all understand the Plight of Clients and they appreciate our concern, but they remain hesitant to openly speak or give their views due to the Supreme Court’s decision.”
On the similar front, Sawhney pointed about the reduced arrival of foreign tourists post-COVID-19 and the closure of tourism offices abroad. The passion for promoting India abroad has waned, affecting the overall quality of the tourist experience, he warned. This in turn, is also the main reason that tourist guides in the country are not taking this as a fruitful profession, anymore. Despite various training programs organised by tour guide associations and the Ministry of Tourism, many guides still lack the necessary skills to provide high-quality service. ITTA recognises the importance of having professional guides who can seamlessly work with drivers to offer hassle-free services, he said.
Sawhney was also recently present during a trade association meet up with the newly appointed tourism minister where he spoke at length about the other practical challenges impacting the overall tourist experience including requesting the removal of tint ban. Other suggestive measures included the lack of speed governors and loan availability for imported vehicles in Delhi. He recommended allowing vehicles to be registered without speed governors until a permanent solution is found. He also stressed the need for easier access to loans from nationalised banks and financial institutions for imported vehicles, as this financial barrier hampers the industry’s ability to operate optimally. Sawhney called for the Ministry of Tourism’s intervention to address these issues and advocate for necessary changes. The minister responded positively and assured support, he had told T3 in one of his previous interactions.
The ban was directed to prevent crimes and ensure safety but it creates challenges for the tourists and the transporters., hence there is a need for solution that addresses the problems of the vehicles and the tourists.
