Pune RTO Warns Schools: Ensure Fitness Of School Vehicles Or Face Strict Action
Pune RTO Warns Schools: Ensure Fitness Of School Vehicles Or Face Strict Action ( Representative Image )
Pune, June 11, 2026: With the new academic year set to begin in the coming days, the Pune Regional Transport Office (RTO) has directed all schools to ensure that vehicles used for transporting students are fully compliant with safety regulations. The warning comes amid heightened focus on student safety during school commutes.
The RTO has instructed school managements and education departments to ensure that all school buses, vans and other student transport vehicles possess valid fitness certificates before the commencement of the academic session. Vehicles found violating transport safety norms will face strict action, officials said.
Deputy Regional Transport Officer Sandeep Khadke stated that special inspection drives will be conducted to check school vehicles. He urged parents to verify whether the vehicles used by their children meet all prescribed safety standards.
Safety Audits Mandatory
The RTO has advised schools to establish School Transport Committees and conduct regular audits of vehicles operating for student transportation. Schools have also been directed not to permit unauthorized or unregistered vehicles to transport students.
As part of the enforcement drive, RTO officials will carry out surprise inspections at key locations across the city throughout the month.
Key RTO Guidelines
According to the RTO, all school transport vehicles must:
* Possess a valid fitness certificate.
* Be in good mechanical condition.
* Have speed governors installed and functioning properly.
* Carry necessary safety equipment as prescribed by regulations.
* Ensure that drivers and attendants possess valid licences and required qualifications.
* Undergo regular maintenance and inspections.
* Follow all provisions laid down under the Motor Vehicles Act and school transport safety norms.
The department has also emphasized that overcrowding of vehicles and the use of private vehicles without proper authorization for transporting students will not be tolerated.
Officials warned that any vehicle found carrying students without the required permissions, fitness certification or safety measures will face immediate legal action.
The Pune RTO has appealed to school authorities, vehicle operators and parents to work together to ensure safe transportation for students during the new academic year.
