Hyderabad: Schools in the city reopened on Thursday, prompting the Telangana State Road Transport Authority (RTA) to take action by inspecting school buses for any issues. They seized buses that were not safe for students.
Most buses have updated their Fitness Certificates (FCs), but a few were rejected for not meeting standards. About 80% of buses passed the fitness check. Since these certificates expire on May 15 each year, inspections before the school year are essential. The RTA, working with the police, began special operations to identify and deal with unsafe buses.
On the first day, Ranga Reddy district officials seized over 60 school buses lacking valid documents or deemed unfit for student transport. Inspections started at Appa Junction in Rajendranagar to ensure compliance and student safety.
Officials issued challans and highlighted buses needing immediate fixes. Violations included missing documents, expired fitness certificates, and unpaid taxes to the RTA.
There are around 1,250 school buses in the city. Authorities aim to ensure no bus operates on city roads without a renewed FC or following safety rules. The RTA plans to seize non-compliant vehicles and impose heavy fines.
Officials stressed that each student requires an individual seat and safety standards must be upheld. On Thursday, RTA officials met with school management and bus drivers to emphasize the need for separate seating for each child, basic safety features, and regular vehicle maintenance.
Continuous inspections and strict penalties will occur if guidelines are ignored. “Every year, we inform schools that buses need a fitness certificate to operate, and advisories are sent to educational institutions in advance,” senior RTA officials stated.
