Pune RTO Cracks Down On School Transport Vehicles; Nearly 90% Obtain Mandatory Fitness Certificates
Pune RTO Cracks Down On School Transport Vehicles; Nearly 90% Obtain Mandatory Fitness Certificates
Pune, July 19, 2026: The Pune Regional Transport Office (RTO) has launched a strict enforcement drive against school buses and vans operating without valid fitness certificates, even as nearly 90% of school transport vehicles in the city have complied with mandatory safety requirements.
According to the RTO, 6,546 of the 7,339 registered school buses have obtained valid fitness certificates following a special verification campaign conducted ahead of the new academic year. However, 793 school buses are still operating without the mandatory certification and now face enforcement action.
The RTO had appealed to all school transport operators to complete their annual fitness inspections before the start of the academic session. To facilitate compliance, officials conducted inspections even on Saturdays and Sundays.
In addition to school buses, Pune has 113 registered school vans, of which 94 have valid fitness certificates, while 19 vans are yet to obtain the mandatory approval.
Under the School Bus Safety Rules, all commercial vehicles transporting students are required to undergo an annual fitness inspection. The certification is issued only after checking critical safety parameters, including the condition of brakes, tyres, steering systems, lights, emergency exits, and fire extinguishers.
Enforcement Drive Underway
The Pune RTO has now intensified inspections across the city and warned that school buses and vans operating without valid fitness certificates will face strict action.
The transport department has also urged parents to verify whether the vehicles transporting their children possess valid fitness certificates, permits, and comply with prescribed safety norms.
Officials further stated that action will also be taken against private vehicles found illegally transporting school students for commercial purposes.
Deputy Regional Transport Officer Swapnil Bhosale said the department had kept inspection centres operational even on weekends to ensure that school vehicle operators could complete the mandatory fitness checks. He reiterated that strict action would now be taken against vehicles that continue to operate without valid certification.
School Transport Compliance at a Glance
- Total school buses in Pune:Â 7,339
- Total student transport vehicles:Â 7,452
- School buses with valid fitness certificates:Â 6,546
- School buses without fitness certificates:Â 793
- School vans with valid fitness certificates:Â 94
- School vans without fitness certificates:Â 19
