PUDUCHERRY: The Transport Department has warned against college and school buses plying with students beyond the permitted number.
Transport Commissioner S D Sundaresan told Express that action would be taken under the Motor Vehicles Act against operators of such vehicles. He said his department was ready to issue permits for any number of vehicles so that the safety of the students is ensured.
Sundaresan said the Education Department had been requested to increase the number of student special buses, so that vehicles, especially those plying in rural areas, were not overcrowded. He, however, added that this would depend on funds.
The Transport Commissioner said any mishap involving school buses would be viewed seriously and informed that notices had been issued to 30 vehicles during a drive for roadworthiness undertaken by the department three days ago.
Students clinging on to the sides of buses is a common sight in mornings and evenings. In rural areas, the buses are so crowded that students travel on the roof. Girls travelling in overcrowded buses had also alleged misbehaviour by unscrupulous elements and the police had repeatedly suggested running separate buses for boys and girls. However, the administration is yet to take any step.
It may be recalled that the Transport Department conducted an assessment more than a year ago and identified routes where students’ special buses ply overcrowded. But the administration is yet to take efforts to run additional buses in the routes.