School bus fitness inspections intensify in Hyderabad ahead of June 12 reopening

Ahead of schools reopening on June 12, Telangana's Transport Department has intensified fitness inspections of school buses. While over 18,000 vehicles have completed certification, more than 7,500 are still awaiting mandatory clearance, raising concerns over student safety and regulatory compliance.

Hyderabad: With schools across the State set to reopen on June 12, the Transport Department authorities have intensified efforts to complete mandatory fitness inspections of school buses.

However, a significant number of vehicles are yet to undergo the mandatory fitness checks, raising concerns over student safety and compliance with transport regulations.

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According to official data, a total of 25,987 school and educational institution transport vehicles have been identified for fitness certification across the State. Of these, 18,471 vehicles have completed the Fitness Certificate (FC) process, accounting for 71.08 per cent of the total fleet. However, 7,516 vehicles, or 28.92 per cent, are yet to obtain the mandatory clearance.

In Hyderabad alone, the pace of inspections has raised concerns as nearly half of the city’s school buses are still awaiting fitness certification. Out of around 13,400 school buses operating in the Greater Hyderabad region, it is learnt that only a little over 55 per cent have completed the required inspections so far.

The School Education and Transport Departments have recently directed private school managements to ensure that all vehicles deployed for student transportation possess valid fitness certificates, permits, insurance and other statutory documents before the commencement of the new academic year.

Transport Department officials have also instructed schools to prevent overcrowding in buses, employ only qualified and licensed drivers, and maintain essential safety equipment, including fire extinguishers, first-aid kits and emergency exits.

They have warned that operating vehicles without mandatory clearances or violating safety norms could invite strict action against the managements concerned.

Meanwhile, officials said inspections are being conducted across Telangana to expedite the certification process and ensure that all school buses meet the prescribed requirements and safety standards.

Special drives and inspections after the reopening of educational institutions are also being planned to identify violations and take strict action.