Pune: Over 2,000 School Buses and Vans Yet to Clear Fitness Checks, Raising Safety Alarms
Despite repeated warnings from the Regional Transport Office (RTO), more than 2,000 school buses and vans in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad have failed to undergo mandatory fitness checks, putting the safety of thousands of schoolchildren at risk.
Alarming Statistics
According to official data, Pune has 7,103 and Pimpri-Chinchwad has 3,195 registered school transport vehicles—totaling 10,298. Shockingly, only 8,136 have valid fitness certificates, leaving 2,162 vehicles (1,403 in Pune and 759 in Pimpri-Chinchwad) operating without proper clearance.
RTO Officials Issue Stern Warning
RTO authorities stated, “These vehicles are not roadworthy as per records. We have launched an inspection drive, and if found operating illegally, strict action will be taken under the Motor Vehicles Act.” They emphasized that despite special inspection facilities and repeated warnings, many operators continue to ignore compliance.
Officials further added, “Driving unfit vehicles endangers children’s lives. Our teams will impose penalties on violators.”
Violations Beyond Fitness Checks
The RTO had earlier mandated:
- Maximum 10 students per van and 5 per auto-rickshaw
- CCTV cameras in school transport vehicles
Yet, violations persist. Almost everyday, multiple vans and rickshaws are seen speeding and overcrowded, flouting traffic norms.
Parents Voice Concerns
One parent from Kothrud shared, “My child travels in an overcrowded van with no seatbelts or safety measures. Now we find out many of these vehicles haven’t even passed basic fitness checks—how is this acceptable?”
Another frustrated parent questioned, “As working parents, we rely on school transport, but how can we verify if a vehicle is safe? Shouldn’t schools and the RTO take responsibility for enforcing these rules?”
Strict Penalties Ahead
Authorities warn that vehicles found without valid fitness certificates or violating safety norms will face heavy fines and permit cancellations.
