School buses under the scanner as schools reopen in Hyderabad

The Ranga Reddy District Transport Department launched a special enforcement drive as private schools reopened, inspecting school buses for compliance with transport and safety norms. Six buses were seized for violations, while officials checked documents, driver eligibility and student safety equipment

Hyderabad: With private schools reopening on Monday, the Ranga Reddy District Transport Department launched a special enforcement drive targeting school buses transporting students.

As part of the inspections, officials seized six buses for allegedly violating transport and safety regulations.

Transport Department officials conducted checks at various locations, scrutinising vehicle documents including Registration Certificate (RC), permit, insurance, fitness certificate and pollution-under-control (PUC) records. Driver licences were also verified during the inspections.

The department had said that special emphasis was placed on student safety measures in school buses.

Officials examined whether vehicles were equipped with mandatory fire extinguishers, first-aid kits and updated student lists. The experience and eligibility of drivers operating the buses were also reviewed.

Authorities are additionally focusing on buses being driven by drivers above 60 years of age as part of a special safety-oriented drive.
Officials warned that strict action would be taken against vehicles found violating transport norms or compromising student safety.

The Transport Department stated that inspections will continue across the city in the coming days to ensure safe transportation of school children.