Hyderabad: As schools in Telangana prepare to reopen in the coming weeks, the state’s transport department has launched a statewide crackdown on unsafe school buses and vans that endanger student lives.
Officials are focusing on vehicles that lack basic safety features or fail to meet fitness standards. Common issues found in previous years include faulty brakes, worn-out tyres, missing emergency exits, and the absence of first-aid kits or seat belts. Some school vehicles are also reportedly overcrowded, pushing safety limits and heightening the risk of accidents.
To curb these violations, authorities have mandated that no school vehicle can operate without a valid fitness certificate. The department has warned owners that operating unfit vehicles will attract strict penalties.
A special inspection drive is being rolled out across all zones in the state. Teams of inspectors will examine school transport vehicles to ensure they are roadworthy and comply with safety norms.
“We are not taking any chances with children’s safety,” a senior transport official said. “School managements using unfit or poorly equipped vehicles will face action.”
The department has also urged parents to inspect the condition of the vehicles their children use and report any violations to the authorities.
These efforts, officials say, are aimed at preventing tragedies and ensuring a safer commute for thousands of school-going children across Telangana.
