RTO Cracks Down On Unsafe School Transport In Pune: 601 Bus Drivers Penalized
RTO Cracks Down On Unsafe School Transport In Pune: 601 Bus Drivers Penalized
December 14, 2024
The Regional Transport Office (RTO) is currently conducting an inspection campaign that has uncovered numerous safety regulation violations by drivers transporting school students. Between January and November, a total of 1,503 vehicles were inspected, leading to fines of 21.99 lakh collected from 601 drivers who were found to be breaking the rules.
The heightened campaign comes after a recent incident in Kharadi where a school bus caught fire, which has raised alarms about student safety. In response, the RTO has increased its inspections to ensure that drivers adhere to the traffic regulations set by the state government.
During these inspections, officials are carefully checking various documents and equipment, including vehicle fitness certificates, driving licenses, pollution control certificates (PUC), fire-fighting equipment, first-aid kits, and compliance with passenger limits. They are paying particular attention to window grills, stair designs, and the availability of fire extinguishers. For CNG vehicles, the verification of the CNG fitness certificate is also part of the process.
“Ensuring the safety of school students is our priority. We urge all drivers and vehicle operators to strictly follow the rules,” stated Swapnil Bhosale, the Deputy Regional Transport Officer.
Key figures from the RTO’s actions between January and November 2024 are as follows:
- Total school vehicle inspections: 1,503
- Drivers penalized: 601
- Fines collected: ₹21.99 lakh
