School transport raises safety concerns

metro india news  I hyderabad

Private school vans and buses meant to transport children safely are increasingly under scrutiny for safety violations, reckless driving and alleged misconduct by some drivers, raising concerns among parents.

Many school transport vehicles reportedly flout mandatory safety norms. Vans designed for a limited number of children are often overloaded, carrying 15–20 students, with some forced to sit beside the driver or in unsafe positions. Parents warn that overcrowding could prove disastrous during emergencies.

Drivers are also accused of speeding, violating traffic rules and operating vehicles without CCTV cameras, first-aid kits, trained attendants or other essential safety features. Child safety experts caution that children aged four to ten are particularly vulnerable to abuse, as fear or inability to communicate may prevent them from reporting inappropriate behaviour.

Parents and activists say many private schools outsource transport but fail to verify drivers or monitor vehicles adequately. During a July 2 inspection, the Central Zone Traffic Police found 154 school transport vehicles violating rules and registered 137 cases. One driver was caught drunk with a breath analyser reading of 181 mg/dl.

Experts have called for regular inspections, verification of vehicle fitness, permits and driver credentials, along with mandatory CCTV, trained staff and emergency facilities. They also urge schools, parents and authorities to work together to ensure safer school travel.

Warning signs from AP

The latest NCRB report highlights a worrying rise in crimes against children across India. In 2024, the country recorded 1,87,702 cases, marking a 5.9% increase compared to 2023. Kidnapping and abduction accounted for 40% of cases, while offences under the POCSO Act made up 36.9%. The crime rate against children also increased from 39.9 to 42.3 per lakh child population.

Although Andhra Pradesh has reported fewer child crime cases compared to several larger states, concerns over child safety, especially during school transportation, continue to grow. Official state data shows 37 POCSO cases registered in Andhra Pradesh so far in 2026.

Incidents involving school-going children allegedly facing abuse by drivers, auto drivers, helpers and other transport staff have exposed gaps in background verification and monitoring systems. Child rights activists say many private transport operators function without proper registration, police verification or CCTV surveillance.

Parents, especially working families, increasingly depend on private autos, cabs and school vans, making transport safety a major concern. Experts point out that many school vehicles operate without female attendants, carry children beyond capacity and lack regular safety audits. Vijayawada Police Commissioner SV Rajashekar Babu said every person involved in school transportation must undergo strict police verification and schools should treat it as a mandatory child safety measure. He stressed that CCTV cameras, GPS tracking and encouraging children to speak openly can help prevent abuse. Senior educationist Dr. Parimi said child safety must extend beyond school premises and every institution should have a comprehensive child protection policy covering transportation.

Parents also urged schools to prioritise safety over academics by conducting regular checks, verifying staff and creating an environment where children can freely report concerns.