Hyderabad: As many as 245 vehicles belonging to educational institutions were booked across Telangana and 60 school buses operating without valid fitness certificates were seized on Monday as the transport department launched a statewide enforcement drive on the first day of reopening of schools and colleges.
Special Drive Focuses on Student Safety
The special drive focused on ensuring the safety of students. Officials inspected vehicles for overloading, fitness compliance and adherence to prescribed safety norms.
During the inspections, teams verified fitness certificates, permits, insurance and Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificates. They also checked whether drivers possessed valid licences and adequate driving experience. Safety equipment, including first-aid boxes, fire extinguishers, emergency exits and attendants for students, was examined. Mechanical components such as brakes, tyres and lights were also inspected.
Strict Action Against Violators
The department said vehicles operating without valid fitness certificates or carrying excess passengers would be seized immediately, and legal action would be initiated against vehicle owners, drivers and the managements of the concerned institutions.
Officials stressed that the responsibility for the operation, maintenance and compliance of school and college buses rests with the managements of educational institutions. Parents were advised not to send their children in overloaded vehicles and to verify the safety and fitness standards of the vehicles used for transportation.
Current Status of Educational Institution Buses
According to the department, Telangana has 25,987 educational institution buses, of which 23,204 possess valid fitness certificates. The remaining 2,783 buses have been directed to obtain fitness clearance at the earliest.
