Nagpur: Despite local media outlets, including Nagpur Today, repeatedly drawing the attention of authorities to the alarming issue of unfit school buses and vans operating in Nagpur, there has been no significant action taken.
According to data from the Regional Transport Office (RTO) as of August 31, an alarming 33.11% of school buses and over 50% of vans ferrying schoolchildren in the city are doing so without the mandatory fitness certificates. This negligence continues despite the new academic session commencing nearly three months ago.
Today’s Rate
Saturday 28 Sept. 2024
The oversight by the RTOs has allowed a large number of unfit vehicles to continue running on the city’s roads, endangering the lives of schoolchildren. Data from the Nagpur East RTO shows that of the 1,146 registered school transport vehicles, fewer than half have valid fitness certificates. Only 466 vehicles, comprising 212 buses and 254 vans, have cleared the mandatory inspections, leaving 680 vehicles, including 526 vans and 154 buses, operating with expired certificates.
The urgency of the situation was highlighted by a recent fire in a school van, which, despite having a valid fitness certificate, revealed lapses in thorough inspections, particularly for school buses and vans.
Nagpur Today has regularly reported on this critical issue, as the city has witnessed accidents involving school buses and vans in the past. On August 21, two people, including a minor, were injured after their car was rammed by a speeding school bus at Dabha. Some of the schoolchildren on the bus also sustained minor injuries.
In the City RTO (MH-31) jurisdiction, where 858 school transport vehicles are registered, 656 vehicles, including 293 buses and 363 vans, possess valid fitness certificates. However, 202 vehicles, consisting of 96 buses and 106 vans, continue to operate with expired certificates.
Despite the clear legal requirements, inconsistent enforcement by both the Nagpur City and East Nagpur RTOs has allowed these unsafe vehicles to continue transporting schoolchildren. According to a source in the Transport Department, violations are rampant in the jurisdiction of the Deputy East RTO. Additionally, private vans and cars that are not officially registered for school transport have been spotted ferrying students, bypassing inspections and further compromising safety.
Parents and safety activists have raised alarm over the ongoing situation and are demanding immediate action from the RTO. “It is unacceptable that so many unfit vehicles are still on the roads, putting children’s lives at risk,” said a concerned parent.
The authorities are now under increased pressure to address this grave issue and ensure that all vehicles used for school transport comply with safety regulations to protect the lives of students.
