Unions Warn Retreaded Tyres Raise Safety Concerns for SETC Buses
Transport unions in Tamil Nadu have raised strong safety concerns over the use of retreaded tyres on buses operated by the State Express Transport Corporation (SETC), saying this practice increases the risk of tyre bursts and accidents. Unions linked to the Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU) highlighted the issue in the wake of a recent SETC bus accident near Thittakudi in Cuddalore that claimed nine lives. The New Indian Express
According to union leaders, tyres originally last about 1.2 lakh to 1.5 lakh kilometres, but retreading can extend life to 1.75 lakh–2 lakh kilometres. While this may seem cost-efficient, leaders such as Arumuga Nainar of the Tamil Nadu State Transport Employees Federation argue that retreaded tyres should not be fitted on front wheels due to the heightened risk of catastrophic tyre bursts leading to loss of control.
The unions also said that chronic understaffing of technical personnel at SETC depots is worsening maintenance quality. They claim that out of a sanctioned strength of approximately 900 maintenance staff, only around 280 are currently available, with many former maintenance roles having been replaced by contract labor who lack adequate experience. This, they say, contributes to frequent breakdowns and unsafe tyre practices.
According to the unions, more than 200 SETC buses break down every month, and spending on new tyre purchases has steadily declined, while repair and contract costs have risen. Kamala Kannan of Anna Thozhilsangam Peravai added that declining investments in fresh tyres are a major factor behind the shift to retreaded units.
SETC officials have rejected the allegations, saying the fleet is being modernised and average tyre life has improved through better monitoring. They also noted that the corporation is switching from conventional tyres to tubeless ones in BS-VI buses and that maintenance spending is around ₹2.75 crore per month.
In response to the safety concerns, CITU has called a three-day protest at SETC headquarters in Chennai from January 7 to 9, demanding stricter tyre safety norms and immediate recruitment of permanent technical staff.
Editor’s View
The debate over the safety concerns of retreaded tyres on public transport highlights a fault line between cost management and operational safety. For a fleet like SETC that covers long distances across Tamil Nadu, maintaining tyre reliability is essential. Retreading can be a sustainable practice if done under strict quality controls, but unions’ claims about under-resourced maintenance raise real questions about whether these standards are being met. The challenge for transport authorities is to ensure that cost savings do not come at the expense of passenger and road safety. Effective maintenance, proper staffing, and transparent safety audits should be the foundation of any retreading policy. Properly addressing these issues could reduce breakdowns and strengthen public confidence in state transport services.
