Pune: Strict School Bus Safety Rules Mandatory for Student Protection, Says Police Commissioner
Pune News, 11th June 2025 – Pune Police Commissioner Amitesh Kumar has called for stringent adherence to school bus safety regulations to safeguard school-going children. Speaking at a meeting of the District School Student Transport Safety Committee at the Police Commissionerate, Kumar stressed that student transportation is a critical issue requiring collective efforts from all stakeholders to prevent mishaps.
The meeting was attended by top officials, including Joint Commissioner of Police Ranjan Kumar Sharma, Additional Commissioner Manoj Patil, DCP (Traffic) Dr. Sandeep Bhajibhakare, Regional Transport Officer Archana Gaikwad, and other RTO officials from Pune, Pimpri Chinchwad, and Baramati. Representatives from the Zilla Parishad, Municipal Councils, and the Education Department were also present.
Key Safety Directives Issued by Police Commissioner Kumar:
- CCTV cameras must be installed in all school buses and student transport vehicles.
- Female staff must accompany children under 6 years during transit.
- Police verification of all transport staff, including drivers, cleaners, and conductors, is mandatory.
- Drivers must be well-trained, medically fit, and have a clean moral and driving record, with regular eye tests and health checkups.
- Each school must have an active School Transport Committee to monitor safety compliance.
- Strict inspections of private vehicles transporting students must be conducted regularly.
Kumar emphasized that schools must take full responsibility for student safety during transit and stressed the need for better coordination between schools, police, and transport authorities to prevent accidents.
RTO’s Massive Enforcement Drive
In a presentation, Pune Deputy RTO Swapnil Bhosale revealed that from January 1 to May 31, 2025, the transport department inspected 1,321 school buses and 650 other vehicles. Violations were found in 414 school buses and 208 other vehicles, resulting in fines totaling ₹55.23 crore.
Bhosale stated that these checks aim to eliminate illegal and unsafe student transport and will continue in collaboration with police and education departments. Authorities concluded that urgent action is needed to ensure every child’s safe commute, directing schools to immediately review and upgrade transport systems as per safety norms.
