Hyderabad is preparing for schools to reopen, and safety checks on student transport vehicles are a priority. All school buses must have valid fitness certificates. Many buses have not yet completed this requirement, increasing concerns among parents.
The Transport Department reports that out of 25,677 school buses in the state, only 17,020 have the necessary fitness certificates. These certificates ensure that buses are safe and mechanically sound for student transport.
Mamindla Chandrasekhar Goud, the Joint Transport Commissioner for Vigilance & Enforcement, urges the remaining 8,657 buses to get certified quickly. He emphasizes that buses over 15 years old should not be used. If they are, they will be seized, and legal action will follow against the school management.
Chandrasekhar stresses that schools must maintain their buses well and hire skilled drivers. Regular checks will ensure buses are not overloaded.
Special inspections are underway in all districts. Local transport officials are meeting with school leaders and drivers to ensure compliance.
M Dayanand, General Secretary of the Telangana Auto and Motor Welfare Union, states that bus drivers should have a valid heavy vehicle license and be younger than 60, but some schools are ignoring this. Each bus should have an attendant and be equipped with essential safety tools like a first-aid kit and fire extinguisher.
The Transport Vigilance & Enforcement wing must enforce these safety measures to protect students, says Dayanand.
