State okays 12-seater school vans, bus operators threaten strike; transporters and industry experts, however, claimed the move violates Central government regulations and have given the state 15 days to withdraw the plan
Transporters’ meeting held in Vashi. pics/By Special Arrangement
The Maharashtra government on Monday regularised mini vans for use as school buses, subject to certain conditions, so that parents are not forced to send their children by autorickshaws and other unsafe modes of transport. Transporters and industry experts, however, claimed the move violates Central government regulations and have given the state 15 days to withdraw the plan.
“For safe student transport in the country, the Central government has prepared updated standards — the School Van Regulations (AIS-204) — based on the School Bus Regulations (Automotive Industry Standards, i.e., AIS-063). Four-wheeled vehicles with up to 12+1 seats will be given the status of school vans to transport students. These vehicles will be in the BS-VI category and will include modern safety technologies such as driver identification cards, emergency exits, storage racks, clear seat design, fire alarm systems, and vehicle tracking,” an official said.
Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik said, “The state government issued licences for school vans through the transport department until 2018. However, some people filed petitions in court claiming vans were unsafe for student transport.” He added, “Compared to rickshaws, vans have more security provisions. The doors are closed, the risk of overturning is negligible.”
Sarnaik also said the decision will create jobs. “Licences will be given to those starting student transport services with new school vans. This is also an employment opportunity,” he said. However, opposition came from bus operators. “There was only one principal present and no parents. This is about corruption, not safety. We will strike and protest if this order is not withdrawn in 15 days,” said the president of the School Bus Owners Association of Maharashtra.
BEST hits 25 lakh passenger mark
The BEST undertaking on Monday said it had reached a passenger count of 25 lakh with a daily average revenue of Rs 3.25 crore after the May 2025 fare hike. Passenger numbers, however, are still lower compared to pre-tariff hike figures of around 35 lakh. BEST had implemented a bus fare hike in May 2025, doubling fares for both AC and non-AC buses. The minimum fare is now R10 for non-AC buses and Rs 12 for AC buses. “One needs to compare the passenger count of July 2024 with that of July 2025. BEST itself had informed that due to summer vacations in May, passenger numbers are usually lower. So it’s obvious that the count has increased in June and July,” said bus enthusiast Shubham Padave.
Complete transport strike on September 11
Transporters across Maharashtra will go on a complete strike on September 11 to press for their long-pending demands. “On Monday, a meeting of all Maharashtra vehicle owners was held in Vashi regarding e-challans. Over 500 vehicle owners were present. It has been decided to hold a ‘chakka jam’ on September 11. All transporters, including school buses, will participate in it,” a representative said.
Proposed school van features
The demo school van
£ GPS
£ CCTV and dashboard display
£ Fire alarm system
£ Door-open alarm system
£ Speed governor with 40 km/h limit
£ Panic button and emergency doors
£ Entry steps for small children
£ School name on the roof
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