In an exclusive Interaction with Web News Addiction, Mr. Akshay Kashyap, Managing Director, Greenfuel Energy Solutions Pvt. Ltd. shared his insights on how the company’s AIS-135 certified Fire Alarm and Protection Systems (FAPS) are redefining fire safety in passenger transport.
During the discussion, Mr. Kashyap elaborated on the advanced technology powering Greenfuel’s intelligent fire suppression systems, their role in enhancing regulatory compliance, and the critical importance of rapid fire detection within the first three minutes of an incident.
Emphasizing the growing need for automatic, integrated safety solutions, he shared more details on challenges facing the industry, including policy gaps and market readiness, thereby highlighting how Greenfuel is supporting OEMs and fleet operators to achieve faster, more efficient compliance and safer mobility for passengers across India.
Excerpts Below:
• Can you please begin by sharing more details about the technology behind Greenfuel’s AIS-135 certified Fire Alarm and Protection Systems (FAPS) and how does it differ from traditional fire safety systems?
Greenfuel’s AIS-135 certified Fire Alarm and Protection Systems (FAPS) integrate intelligent detection, advanced suppression automatic alarm mechanisms in a single compact system designed for the unique environment of buses.
The system employs heat, smoke temperature sensors linked to high-pressure water-mist nozzles that activate automatically to suppress fire at its source. Unlike traditional fire safety systems that rely on large volumes of water or simple extinguishers, Greenfuel’s technology produces ultra-fine water droplets that cool hot surfaces, reduce oxygen concentration around the flames suppress smoke all while using minimal water. This approach not only controls fires faster, but also prevents damage to electrical and mechanical components within the vehicle.
By aligning with AIS-135 standards, the system ensures comprehensive fire detection, alarm suppression for both engine and passenger compartments, providing safety assurance for OEMs and operators alike.
As per the CTIF World Fire Statistics Report 2023, nearly 30% of vehicle fires originate in engine compartments, reinforcing the need for automatic detection and suppression systems rather than manual intervention. (Source: CTIF Report 2023)
• How does the water mist technology in your FAPS work to suppress fire and control heat and smoke, especially in confined bus environments?
Water-mist technology works through rapid heat absorption and localized oxygen displacement. The fine mist produced under high pressure quickly turns into steam when exposed to heat, which cools the flames and nearby surfaces almost instantly.
In confined bus environments, this rapid cooling significantly reduces the chances of re-ignition while simultaneously lowering smoke and improving air quality, allowing passengers to evacuate safely. Because the mist uses far less water compared to sprinklers, it avoids the collateral damage caused by water flooding or electrical short-circuits. It’s particularly effective in closed spaces like engine compartments or battery housings, where fires can escalate rapidly if not addressed within seconds.
According to the NFPA Research Foundation (2022), fine water-mist systems can reduce heat release rates by more than 70% compared to traditional sprinkler systems in enclosed environments. (Source: NFPA Water Mist Systems Study)
• What makes the three-minute suppression window critical in saving lives during a bus fire emergency?
The first three minutes after ignition are the most crucial in any bus fire situation. Studies and on-ground incidents have shown that fires in buses can escalate from a small spark to a fully engulfed vehicle in less than four minutes. Within this short timeframe, smoke inhalation, reduced visibility panic can make evacuation extremely difficult. Greenfuel’s FAPS is engineered to detect and suppress a fire within this golden three-minute window, ensuring that flames and toxic gases are contained long enough for passengers to exit safely. Early intervention also prevents flashover a stage where heat and flames spread uncontrollably, thereby dramatically increasing survival chances and minimizing damage.
As reported by the World Economic Forum’s Global Risks Report 2023, transport infrastructure vulnerabilities remain one of the top ten risks in emerging economies, emphasizing the need for early-response fire suppression technologies in passenger transport. (Source: WEF Global Risks Report 2023)
• Would you please share any real-world example where Greenfuel’s FAPS has effectively prevented fatalities or reduced harm?
Greenfuel’s FAPS systems have already demonstrated their effectiveness across several OEM and fleet deployments. In one such case, the system contained an engine-compartment fire in a passenger bus before it could spread to the cabin, preventing injuries and major losses. While privacy and client confidentiality restrict naming specific operators, the data gathered from field feedback has been consistently positive. In multiple instances, automatic suppression was activated even before the driver could intervene, controlling the fire rapidly and keeping passengers safe. Such results validate both the design integrity and reliability of Greenfuel’s system in real-world conditions.
According to the European Fire Safety Alliance (2021), buses equipped with automatic suppression systems have up to 90% fewer total losses in fire incidents than those relying only on manual fire extinguishers. (Source: EFSA Bus Fire Safety Study)
• While AIS-135 amendments have presently mandated FAPS in school buses and select intercity buses on the one hand, according to you what could be some of the reasons for its inconsistent implementation across other passenger bus categories?
Although AIS-135 mandates the installation of Fire Alarm and Protection Systems in school and certain intercity buses, adoption across all passenger categories remains inconsistent. This is primarily because the initial regulatory focus was on high-risk segments such as school and long-distance buses. Other factors include the cost and complexity of retrofitting older vehicles, lack of standardized installation kits for different models and limited availability of trained technicians. Smaller fleet operators often delay upgrades due to financial constraints, while enforcement agencies still face challenges in verifying compliance during periodic vehicle inspections. As a result, implementation remains uneven despite the proven safety benefits.
The World Bank’s India Transport Sector Review 2022 found that over 80% of intercity buses in India are privately operated, often with limited financial capacity to meet new safety retrofitting requirements. (Source: World Bank India Transport Review 2022)
• Presently, what regulatory and policy gaps are currently hindering wider adoption of FAPS in India’s passenger bus fleets?
The key regulatory gap lies in the limited scope of mandatory enforcement. While AIS-135 has been notified, it has yet to be fully implemented across all bus categories, leaving room for inconsistency. There are also no strong incentives or clear timelines for retrofitting existing fleets. Inspection mechanisms for verifying the presence and functionality of FAPS are underdeveloped, especially at the regional transport level. Moreover, a shortage of certified retrofitters and inadequate training for maintenance staff further slow down adoption.
Awareness among smaller operators about the standard and its life-saving potential also remains low, highlighting the need for stronger policy advocacy and capacity building.
The WHO Global Status Report on Road Safety 2023 indicates that nations with fragmented inspection regimes experience up to 40% lower compliance with fire and vehicle safety standards. (Source: WHO Road Safety Report 2023)
• Do you have any suggestions on the steps that policymakers/enforcement agencies could take to ensure swift, full-scale implementation?
A comprehensive approach combining regulation, incentives enforcement is needed to ensure wider adoption of FAPS. Expanding the AIS-135 mandate to cover all new passenger buses within a defined timeframe would be a strong first step. Policymakers could also introduce retrofit incentives such as subsidies, tax rebates, or low-interest loans to support operators of older fleets. Strengthening periodic fitness inspections to include FAPS functionality checks would improve compliance. In parallel, the creation of accredited installer networks and public-private training programs for mechanics and safety officers would ensure smooth implementation. Making fire safety part of operator licensing and passenger awareness campaigns would further reinforce the importance of compliance.
Countries like Sweden and Singapore achieved rapid fleet compliance after offering tax-linked retrofit incentives, apart from also including suppression systems in annual safety audits, according to the OECD International Transport Forum (2021). (Source: OECD ITF Safety Policy Review 2021)
• What is your opinion when it comes to making an investment in advanced FAPS especially from a cost-benefit perspective, considering the human and financial toll of bus fire tragedies?
From a cost-benefit standpoint, the investment in advanced fire protection systems is minimal when compared to the potential losses arising from a single major fire incident. The cost of installing a certified FAPS forms a small fraction of the total vehicle cost, but it can save dozens of lives, prevent injury claims, reduce downtime for operators. Beyond human safety, operators benefit from lower insurance premiums, reduced liability and better compliance with national safety norms. When weighed against the emotional, social financial toll of fatal bus fires as seen in several tragic incidents across India, the economic rationale for adoption becomes indisputable.
The Allianz Risk Barometer 2023 ranks fire and explosion among the top three global causes of insurance losses, accounting for billions in claims every year. The same report notes that early suppression can reduce property loss by up to 60%. (Source: Allianz Risk Barometer 2023)
• In what ways has Greenfuel been able to assist/support Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) and fleet operators to comply with AIS-135 standards quickly and efficiently?
Greenfuel has played a pivotal role in supporting OEMs and fleet operators through end-to-end compliance assistance. The company offers integrated FAPS packages that are pre-certified under AIS-135, ensuring quick approval during vehicle homologation. Its engineering team works closely with OEMs to customize installation layouts based on vehicle design, while its nationwide network of service partners facilitates smooth retrofitting for fleets already on the road.
Greenfuel also conducts training sessions for operator staff and technicians to ensure systems are properly maintained and periodically tested. This combination of technical support, certification assistance and after-sales service has enabled clients to achieve compliance both quickly and efficiently.
As per the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI), pre-certified systems reduce homologation and compliance time by nearly 40%, enabling faster rollout and safety assurance for OEMs. (Source: ARAI Annual Report 2023)
• If you were asked to offer your comments on the market’s readiness and acceptance towards expanding FAPS installation across all passenger bus categories, what would your answer be?
The Indian market is gradually becoming more receptive to safety technologies like FAPS. Large OEMs have already begun integrating such systems at the manufacturing stage. Fleet operators are recognizing the long-term benefits of adopting them. However, widespread adoption will depend on consistent regulatory enforcement and financial support mechanisms for retrofitting.
With increasing public scrutiny and growing awareness around bus safety, the acceptance curve is clearly rising. The market is technologically ready; it now needs strong policy push and sustained education efforts to achieve full-scale penetration across all passenger categories.
According to the NITI Aayog Transport Electrification Report 2022, over 60% of large Indian OEMs are actively incorporating advanced fire-suppression systems into their new electric and CNG bus platforms, indicating growing industry readiness. (Source: NITI Aayog Report 2022)
• How is fire safety technology evolving to better protect passengers on buses in the near future?
Fire-safety technology is advancing rapidly with the integration of smart sensors, IoT-based diagnostics data-driven maintenance systems. Future bus safety solutions will feature interconnected fire-detection systems capable of real-time alerts and automated emergency responses. With the growth of electric mobility, specialized suppression systems are being developed to tackle battery-related thermal runaway scenarios. Water-mist systems are also evolving with optimized nozzle designs and hybrid suppression agents that achieve faster knockdown while minimizing residue. Collectively, these innovations will make bus travel significantly safer in the coming years.
The Changing Transport Initiative (2024) highlights how next-gen suppression systems using intelligent sensors and hybrid agents are becoming integral to electric-bus safety frameworks. (Source: Changing Transport 2024 Study)
• Can you discuss the importance of public engagement and awareness alongside technological innovations in passenger safety?
Technology can only achieve its full potential when paired with awareness and preparedness. Public engagement plays a crucial role in ensuring passengers know how to react during emergencies and that operators regularly maintain installed systems. Regular fire drills, training programs and passenger education initiatives can make a meaningful difference in real-life scenarios.
At the same time, publicizing success stories and safety improvements builds trust and encourages more operators to adopt certified technologies. Greenfuel firmly believes that creating a culture of safety through a combination of technology and training enforcement is the most effective way to save lives.
The World Health Organization notes that combining behavioural preparedness with technological interventions can reduce transport-related fatalities by up to 25%. (Source: WHO Safety Report 2023)
