Unsafe school buses under RTA scanner

Officials conducted surprise checks on more than 1,000 buses in Hyderabad, Rangareddy, Medchal-Malkajgiri and other districts

The department warned that strict action would be taken not only against drivers but also against school managements

Metro India News | Hyderabad 

As educational institutions reopened across Telangana on Monday, the Transport Department launched a massive statewide inspection drive to ensure the safety of students travelling in school buses. Officials conducted surprise checks on more than 1,000 buses in Hyderabad, Rangareddy, Medchal-Malkajgiri and other districts, verifying compliance with mandatory safety regulations.     

The inspections revealed serious violations by several educational institutions. Cases were registered against over 150 school vehicles for flouting transport rules, while 35 buses operating without valid fitness certificates were seized immediately.

According to official data, Telangana has 25,987 school buses, but only 23,032 possess valid fitness certificates. Authorities identified 2,955 vehicles operating without fitness clearance, raising concerns over student safety.

In Rangareddy district, 444 out of 6,307 school buses lacked fitness certificates. Medchal-Malkajgiri reported 419 unfit vehicles among 6,158 buses, while Hyderabad recorded 138 unfit buses out of 1,265.

Officials examined registration certificates, permits, insurance papers, pollution certificates, fitness documents and driver licences. They also checked whether buses carried first-aid kits, fire extinguishers, emergency exits and attendants for students. The department warned that strict action would be taken not only against drivers but also against school managements found violating safety norms. Authorities said the inspections would continue across the state throughout the week to ensure that every vehicle transporting children is roadworthy and compliant with regulations.

Special focus on drivers above 60 years

Transport officials are also conducting a special verification of school bus drivers aged above 60 years. The department is assessing whether elderly drivers meet the required health and fitness standards to safely transport students. Drivers' eyesight, medical fitness certificates, driving history and licence validity are being scrutinised. Officials stated that allowing medically unfit or overage drivers to operate school buses could compromise student safety. Educational institutions have been instructed to deploy experienced, medically fit drivers and replace those who fail to meet prescribed norms.