Traffic police conducts fitness checks of school buses in Vijayawada

Metro India News | AMARAVATI

Ahead of the reopening of educational institutions for the new academic year, the NTR District Police Commissionerate has intensified inspections of school and college buses across Vijayawada to ensure the safety of students during transportation. The special inspection drive is being conducted under the directions of Vijayawada City Police Commissioner S.V. Rajasekhar Babu and the guidance of Traffic DCP Shirin Begum. Traffic police officials have been carrying out extensive checks to verify whether educational institution buses are operating in compliance with prescribed safety regulations.

As part of the drive on Thursday, Fourth Traffic ACP D. Pavan Kumar supervised inspections conducted by Fourth Traffic Inspector Krishna Babu and his team at SRK College in Patamata. Officials examined the buses for valid Fitness Certificates (FC), insurance documents, and pollution certificates. The inspection team also verified the presence and condition of essential safety measures, including emergency exits, first-aid boxes, and functional fire extinguishers. Authorities further checked whether drivers possessed valid heavy vehicle driving licences and the required driving experience for operating student transport vehicles.

Speaking on the occasion, police officials warned that no negligence would be tolerated in matters concerning student safety. They directed educational institutions not to overload buses beyond seating capacity and cautioned that strict legal action would be initiated against institutions and drivers operating unfit vehicles or violating transport norms. Officials stated that violators could face hefty penalties and vehicle seizures. Parents were also urged to remain vigilant about the safety standards of vehicles transporting their children to schools and colleges.

The police appealed to educational institutions, drivers, and the public to follow road safety norms and cooperate in ensuring safe transportation for students across the city.