Hyderabad is facing challenges with auto drivers who transport more children than allowed, despite efforts by city traffic police to ensure student safety. As schools have reopened, overloaded auto rickshaws are a common sight. For two weeks, police have advised parents against using overcrowded autos and warned schools they are responsible for safety lapses near their premises.
Throughout Hyderabad, in areas like Abids, King Kothi, Tolichowki, Malakpet, LB Nagar, Uppal, Khairtabad, Somajiguda, and Secunderabad, autos are carrying more than the permitted number of students. Instances were observed where drivers, fearing fines, asked students to temporarily get off at traffic signals.
Asif Hussain Sohail, head of the Telangana Parents Association for Child Rights and Safety (TPACRS), noted parents often choose autos due to high fees of private school buses. He emphasized the need for parents to ensure safe transportation and urged the enforcement department to address this issue. A request was made to the Additional Commissioner of Traffic to take action against auto drivers carrying 6 to 10 children.
Traffic rules in Hyderabad allow a maximum of 5 children under 14 in an auto, but many carry 6 to 12. Kamble Shekar, a Nampally commuter, highlighted the danger posed by hanging bags and overcrowding. Meanwhile, Lubna Nayeem from Tolichowki mentioned feeling secure with trusted drivers, noting her son’s auto is not overcrowded.
Police have also met with school officials to discuss student safety, focusing on traffic management and safe transport systems. They urged parents to avoid sending children in overcrowded vehicles.
