Transport Department inspects over 1,000 school buses across State on opening day

The Transport Department launched a statewide inspection drive as schools reopened, checking over 1,000 buses and booking 150 violations. Thirty-five buses without fitness certificates were seized. Officials said strict enforcement will continue to ensure student safety across the State.

Hyderabad: With schools across the State reopening on Monday, the Transport Department launched a large-scale inspection drive to ensure the safety of students travelling in school buses.

During the special drives carried out across various locations, more than 1,000 school buses were inspected across the State on the first day of the special enforcement campaign, resulting in cases being booked against over 150 vehicles for various violations.

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Authorities also seized 35 school buses that were found operating without valid fitness certificates.

Transport Department officials conducted inspections at multiple locations, verifying essential documents such as registration certificates, permits, insurance papers, fitness certificates and pollution-under-control records. Driver licences and eligibility were also examined as part of the checks.

The enforcement teams focused on student safety measures, including the availability of fire extinguishers, first-aid kits and updated student records inside the buses.

Meanwhile, officials also reviewed the experience of drivers and monitored buses being operated by drivers above 60 years of age.

In Ranga Reddy district, six school buses were seized for alleged violations of transport and safety regulations during inspections carried out on the opening day of schools.

Officials warned that strict action would continue against institutions failing to comply with prescribed safety norms.

According to Transport Department, the majority of school buses in the State have already undergone fitness certification. In the Greater Hyderabad region, 1,100 of 1,265 school buses in Hyderabad district, 5,627 of 6,158 buses in Medchal-Malkajgiri and 5,687 of 6,307 buses in Ranga Reddy district have completed fitness checks.

Transport Department officials requested parents to remain vigilant and verify the safety condition of school buses used by their children. They advised parents to immediately report any deficiencies to school managements, transport authorities or traffic police.

Inspections would continue in the coming days to ensure that educational institutions adhere to safety standards and provide secure transportation for students, officials said.