HYDERABAD: As schools reopen across Telangana, transport authorities have intensified inspections of school buses to ensure student safety. On Thursday, nearly 60 school buses operating in the Greater Hyderabad region were seized for various violations. Of these, 25 were seized within Hyderabad city limits alone.
According to Joint Transport Commissioner C Ramesh, Hyderabad currently has 1,257 school buses. Additionally, 6,149 buses operate in Rangareddy district and 6,095 in Medchal district.
Inspections began early Thursday morning, targeting school buses. Transport officials observed multiple violations, including missing documents, lack of fitness certificates, and failure to comply with safety norms.
The department revealed that around 15% of school buses in Hyderabad have yet to obtain mandatory fitness certificates. In contrast, about 90% of educational institution buses in Rangareddy and Medchal districts have secured them.
The inspections focused on ensuring that buses were equipped with essential safety features: each student must have a separate seat; buses should carry fire extinguishers and first-aid kits; and vehicles must be regularly serviced. Additionally, every school bus must have an attendant on board to ensure student safety.
It is also mandated that bus drivers possess a valid heavy vehicle licence and be no older than 60 years. All school buses must renew their fitness certificates annually, following an inspection by the RTA. These certificates, along with registration papers, the driver’s licence, and other relevant documents, must be carried on board at all times.
School bus seized in Nizamabad for lacking fitness certificate
Nizamabad: Rahul Kumar, In-charge District Transport Officer (DTO), Nizamabad, stated that a school bus operating without a fitness certificate was seized during inspections on Thursday. He said the district has a total of 790 school buses, out of which 680 have been inspected so far and found to possess valid fitness certificates and licensed drivers.
However, 170 buses are still pending inspection. Many of these are close to completing 15 years in service, while others are currently unused for various reasons. “If any of these unfit buses are found operating on the roads, they will be seized and penalised as per the Motor Vehicles (MV) Act,” said the DTO. He added that daily inspections will continue across the district, with a focus on student safety and the prevention of road accidents.