HYDERABAD: As the new academic year approaches, school buses across Telangana are making a beeline for mandatory fitness checks conducted by the Road Transport Authority (RTA). Out of approximately 24,000 school buses in the state, only 14,000 currently possess valid fitness certificates. The remaining buses are being urged to complete necessary repairs and obtain these certificates to ensure road legality and compliance with the Motor Vehicles Act (1988).
The Motor Vehicles Act mandates stringent penalties for non-compliance. Under Section 192A, operating a vehicle without a valid permit can result in a fine of ₹10,000 and imprisonment of up to six months for a first offence. Repeat offenders face harsher penalties, including a minimum of six months to one year of imprisonment and an additional fine of ₹10,000.
Within the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) limits, there are 12,631 school buses, of which 9,488 have valid fitness certificates as of May 6. The Rangareddy district, falling under the GHMC limits, records the highest number of school buses, followed by Medchal-Malkajgiri and Hyderabad. Across other districts in Telangana, 6,511 school buses are currently operating without fitness certificates, indicating that 59.4% of the state’s school transport vehicles are compliant.
To secure the renewed fitness certificates, school buses must pass rigorous fitness tests, ensuring all equipment, including fire extinguishers, are in working condition. Additionally, buses with nine or more seats and a weight exceeding 5 tonnes must be equipped with a fire alarm and protection system. All vehicles must also have a first aid kit on board for emergency use in case of collisions.
Offcial from RTA, stated, “Most of the buses are compliant, but if there are any minor issues like hand brakes, lights or fire extinguishers, we ask the bus operators to get them fixed immediately for renewal.” Only buses with valid fitness certificates will be permitted to provide pick-up and drop-off services for schoolchildren starting Wednesday. Drivers are required to hold a valid heavy vehicle driving licence, and an attendant must be present to assist with the movement of the vehicle and the safety of the pupils.
The renewed focus on safety follows a series of accidents involving school buses in the state. On January 4, a 19-month-old child was tragically killed under the wheels of a school bus in Habsiguda while waiting to see her brother off to school. Shortly after, on January 9, over 20 students were injured when a school bus, driven on the wrong side of the road, collided with a lorry in Kumurambheem Asifabad. These incidents are part of at least nine school bus-related accidents reported in less than a year, underscoring the urgent need for stringent safety measures.
As schools prepare to reopen, the emphasis on ensuring that all school buses are fit and safe for travel is a critical step towards preventing further tragedies and ensuring the safety of students across Telangana.
