Over 2,000 School Transport Vehicles in Pune, Pimpri-Chinchwad Yet to Pass Mandatory Fitness Tests
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PUNE, June 18, 2025 — More than 2,000 school buses and vans operating in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad have yet to undergo mandatory fitness checks, despite the academic year already being underway. This has sparked major concerns regarding the safety of schoolchildren using these transport services daily.
As per Regional Transport Office (RTO) data, a total of 10,298 school transport vehicles are registered in the twin cities — 7,103 in Pune and 3,195 in Pimpri-Chinchwad. Of these, 2,162 vehicles have not renewed their fitness certificates. Pune alone accounts for 1,403 of these unverified vehicles, while Pimpri-Chinchwad has 759.
These vehicles are not deemed roadworthy as per the RTO records. The authority has launched an inspection drive, and any vehicle found operating without a valid fitness certificate will face strict action under the Motor Vehicles Act.
Transporting children in unfit vehicles is a direct threat to their safety. Despite repeated warnings and special inspection facilities, many schools and transport operators have failed to comply. Moreover, other issues such as overloading, reckless driving, and the absence of CCTV cameras in school vans continue to be reported.
Authorities have now warned that vehicles operating without compliance may face fines or permit cancellation.
