Uttar Pradesh: To ensure the safety of students across the state, the Uttar Pradesh Transport Department is set to launch a month-long inspection campaign of school buses starting July 1. The campaign will be conducted under the instructions of Dayashankar Singh, Minister of State for Transport (Independent Charge), aiming to ensure a secure, accountable and transparent school transportation system rather than just enforcing basic compliance.
The authorities will adopt a zero-tolerance policy for violations. Transporters found violating the rules will face immediate fines (challans), while serious irregularities will lead to tougher penalties, including the seizure of the vehicle and the suspension of its fitness certificate, Jagran.com reported.
Month-Long Vehicle And Driver Inspections
During the campaign, school buses will be thoroughly evaluated to ensure that they meet strict fitness, technical, and safety standards. Inspectors will also examine the bus body strength, roof load-bearing capacity, seats and seat anchorages, body-chassis mounting, emergency exit doors, and other safety standards.
In addition to vehicle checks, authorities will conduct physical verifications of all bus drivers.
Strict Compliance With Central Motor Vehicles Rules
As part of the inspection, inspectors will ensure that every school bus is equipped with a standard-capacity, two-kilogram ABC dry powder fire extinguisher. The campaign also aims to ensure that all design and safety regulations mandated under the Central Motor Vehicles Rules are being followed.
This includes verifying that buses feature the golden yellow paint colour, prominent “School Bus” signage, an emergency exit, a stop signal arm, a hazard warning system, and a child-safe design.
Mandatory Speed Limits And Document Verification
To further ensure the safety of students, school buses must not exceed the prescribed speed limit of 40 kilometres per hour. Authorities will also thoroughly inspect the vehicle’s braking systems, tyres, suspension, lights, and indicators.
Additionally, a verification of all mandatory documents will be conducted, including Registration Certificate (RC), route permit, insurance policy, Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate, and up-to-date fitness certificate.