Pune, 18 June 2025: As the new academic year begins, alarming lapses in the safety of school transport have come to light in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad. Official data reveals that over 2,000 school buses and vans in these twin cities are yet to undergo the mandatory fitness checks, raising serious concerns about the safety of thousands of schoolchildren who rely on these vehicles daily.
According to the Regional Transport Office (RTO), there are 10,298 registered school buses and vans across Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad, 7,103 in Pune and 3,195 in Pimpri-Chinchwad. However, only 8,136 have valid fitness certificates, while 2,162 vehicles remain non-compliant. This includes 1,403 vehicles in Pune and 759 in Pimpri-Chinchwad.
In an effort to tackle this, the RTO has launched an inspection drive to identify whether these vehicles are still operating despite lacking fitness clearance. If found on the roads, such vehicles will face strict penalties under the Motor Vehicles Act. Authorities had earlier set up special facilities to help operators complete timely inspections but say some continue to ignore repeated directives.
Adding to the worry, the issue goes beyond just fitness certificates. Despite clear guidelines from both the RTO and city police, numerous school buses, vans, and auto-rickshaws are flouting rules meant to ensure children’s safety. Vehicles have been caught overcrowded, carrying far more than the allowed limit, which is ten students per van and five per auto-rickshaw and, driving recklessly through narrow residential lanes.
On Tuesday morning, several school transport vehicles were seen speeding through city roads while overloaded with students, exposing the weak enforcement of safety norms. CCTV installation in vehicles, another mandatory requirement, remains largely unimplemented.
The RTO has once again appealed to schools to verify the fitness status of vehicles they hire or allow on their premises. Educational institutions have been urged to ensure only compliant vehicles are used and to report any irregularities immediately to the authorities.
Meanwhile, RTO teams have stepped up ground inspections to crack down on violators. Officials admitted that real-time monitoring remains a challenge, but they promise swift action against operators who risk children’s lives by running unfit or overcrowded vehicles.
With increasing dependence on private transport for students, authorities stress that vigilance by parents, schools, and transport operators is essential to prevent accidents and ensure a safe commute for every child.