Sleeper Bus Tragedy: A tragic incident took place in Ashoknagar, Madhya Pradesh on Saturday night. Actually, a sleeper bus which was going from Pichhor to Indore with passengers caught fire. It was fortunate that all the passengers were saved. But meanwhile a big question has arisen whether sleeper buses are safe or not. Let us know which countries around the world have already banned sleeper buses.

Countries that ban sleeper buses

China banned the manufacture and registration of new sleeper buses in 2013 after several serious fires and road accidents in 2012. Along with this, in 2006, Germany also banned sleeper coaches after several major accidents. Vietnam and England are also among the countries that have banned sleeper buses. All these countries had banned these buses for the same reason. This was because the design of these buses made it very difficult to evacuate people. Due to which many people lost their lives.

Why is it so difficult to get out of a sleeper bus

Actually, sleeper buses have a lot of berths. Along with this, it is also quite tight. In an emergency, it becomes almost impossible for passengers to move quickly. Along with this, the people sitting on the upper berths have to face more challenges in reaching the exit gate in case of panic.

Not only this, but the interiors of these buses are often made of flammable materials like foam, synthetic fabrics and plastic. These things, combined with the air conditioning circuit, allow a fire to spread within minutes. Along with this, many private bus operators make illegal modifications to the buses. To increase passenger capacity, additional berths are added or emergency doors are sealed. Because of this, there is more delay in rescue work during accidents. Along with this, due to the height and double deck design, sleeper buses are more likely to overturn during a sudden turn or collision.

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World Strongest Passport 2025: Nomad Capitalist Passport Index 2025 has released the list of the world’s most powerful passport. According to the report, Ireland ranks first among the strongest passport countries. It has got a total of 109 marks. In 2020, Ireland was in the first place with Sweden and Luxembourg in the first place, but in 2025 it has succeeded in achieving the top rank alone.

European nations have again dominated the passport index 2025. Switzerland and Greece are in second place. Both have scored 108.50 points. New Zealand and the United Arab Emirates are the only names in non-European countries to have made it to the top 10. New Zealand and the United Arab Emirates are ranked 10th. Both have 106.50 points. Apart from this, Iceland is also at number 10 with 106.50 points.

Status of India and Pakistan
India is jointly ranked 148th with Comoros this year. It is one place below last year (147th place). India’s total score is 47.5. Pakistan’s passport is ranked 195th this year, which includes it among the world’s weakest passport countries. Pakistan’s total score is only 46. Citizens of Pakistan have to face ban or additional investigation due to security and political reasons in many countries. Passport ranking reflects not only the ease of travel, but also the facility of economic opportunities, investment options, privacy and migration for citizens. Afghanistan is the weakest passport in the world. Its rank is 199th with 27 points.

Why passport is necessary?
Passport is not just a simple identity card. This is a proof of international citizenship, validity and global freedom. When any person travels outside a country, then passport is the official document, which proves which country he is a citizen of. Without passport, no human can travel legally from one country to another.