The findings, reported in early June, have triggered alarm, especially since RTO data shows that more than 2000 school vehicles across both cities are yet to complete their mandatory fitness certification. With thousands of students relying on these vehicles every day, the lack of compliance poses a serious safety risk
Pune RTO has launched a citywide drive to identify non-compliant vehicles. Representation pic/istock
As schools reopen for the new academic year, serious concerns have emerged regarding the safety of school transport vehicles in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad. In a recent inspection drive conducted by the Regional Transport Office (RTO), nearly 711 school buses and vans were found operating without proper seat safety systems.
Speaking to mid-day, Deputy Regional Transport Officer Rahul Jadhav confirmed that vehicle fitness checks are ongoing, and the latest inspection revealed significant lapses. “Around 711 vehicles were found without adequate seat safety features. However, this doesn’t mean they were immediately stopped from operating,” he clarified.
The seat fitness system refers to safety measures related to seating in school vehicles, including the strength of seat frames, proper anchorage, and seat belts, especially in smaller buses. These features are critical for minimising injury risks in case of accidents or sudden braking. The official added, “Sometimes, if a vehicle is old or hasn’t been operational for a long time, the seat system gets damaged.”
The findings, reported in early June, have triggered alarm, especially since RTO data shows that more than 2000 school vehicles across both cities are yet to complete their mandatory fitness certification. With thousands of students relying on these vehicles every day, the lack of compliance poses a serious safety risk.
Currently, 10,298 school buses and vans are registered in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad — 7103 in Pune and 3195 in the adjoining city. Of these, only 8136 vehicles have valid fitness certificates. The remaining 2162 — including 1403 in Pune and 759 in Pimpri-Chinchwad — continue to ply in violation of safety norms.
To address the issue, the RTO has launched a citywide drive to identify non-compliant vehicles. Officials have warned that violators will face strict action under the Motor Vehicles Act. Although inspection camps were set up and multiple warnings issued, many operators continue to flout regulations.
Beyond fitness certification, several school vehicles were found violating other key safety norms. Overcrowding remains rampant, with some vans carrying 10 children and autos cramming in five — far beyond legal limits. Multiple vehicles were also spotted speeding through narrow residential lanes.
Meanwhile, the mandatory installation of CCTV cameras in school vehicles — a move aimed at increasing safety — remains largely ignored.
The RTO has set July 31 as the final deadline for CCTV installation. In a bid to increase awareness, the RTO recently conducted orientation sessions for school vehicle drivers and female attendants on school campuses. Officials have also issued fresh advisories urging schools to verify the fitness status of the vehicles they use and to report violations promptly.
Kiran Desai, working president of the Pune Bus Association, criticised the implementation model, stating, “Authorities keep bringing new rules without considering practical realities. For a vehicle to undergo a fitness test, it must travel 30 km to Saswad or Dive Ghat. With a 40 kmph speed limit and hilly roads, many vehicles fail.”
He added, “Every year brings new rules. This year, it's CCTV cameras. We’re open to the idea — but who will monitor them? Last year it was vehicle tracking devices (VLTD), but the government didn’t even have a system to support them.”
According to Desai, nearly 40,000 school transport vehicles operate across Pune district. Without better enforcement and realistic support mechanisms, the safety of schoolchildren will remain in jeopardy.
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