Patna: Authorities in Patna Division have ordered stricter enforcement of school transport safety norms, mandating the installation of CCTV cameras, vehicle tracking systems and speed-control devices in school buses while directing district officials to conduct regular inspections and road safety reviews.
The directives were issued by Divisional Commissioner Mayank Varwade during a meeting with District Transport Officers from the six districts under Patna Division at the Commissioner’s office on Wednesday.
The move forms part of a broader effort to strengthen road safety measures and improve oversight of vehicles transporting schoolchildren.
CCTV Footage To Be Preserved For 60 Days
Under the new instructions, all school buses will be required to install CCTV cameras to record activities during transit.
School authorities must preserve the footage for at least 60 days to assist in monitoring and investigations when necessary.
Officials clarified that the requirement will not apply to smaller vehicles with a seating capacity of fewer than 14 passengers.
Speed Governors And Safety Equipment Mandatory
The Commissioner directed that all school buses be fitted with speed governors, with the maximum permissible speed capped at 40 kilometres per hour.
Every vehicle transporting schoolchildren must also carry a first-aid kit and a dry-powder fire extinguisher.
Officials said the measures are intended to reduce the risk of accidents and improve emergency preparedness.
Commercial Registration And Fitness Certificates Required
According to the directives, all vehicles used for transporting students must be registered as commercial passenger vehicles and obtain permits from the competent authority.
New vehicles up to eight years old will be required to obtain fitness certificates every two years, while older vehicles must undergo annual fitness inspections.
Authorities also made it mandatory for all school transport vehicles to be equipped with Vehicle Location Tracking Devices (VLTDs) and panic buttons.
In addition, retro-reflective tape must be installed on vehicles to improve visibility and safety.
Regular Inspections Ordered
District Transport Officers have been instructed to conduct routine inspections of school vehicles and initiate strict action against operators found violating safety regulations.
The Commissioner also directed that buses and other school transport vehicles be painted golden yellow to ensure easy identification.
Where schools hire vehicles from private operators, the words “On School Duty” must be prominently displayed on both the front and rear of the vehicle.
Focus On Road Safety And Compliance
Apart from school transport regulations, the Divisional Commissioner ordered regular enforcement drives to check pollution control certificates and identify overloaded or unauthorised vehicles.
Officials were instructed to impose penalties and take action in accordance with existing laws wherever violations are detected.
Varwade also emphasised the need for regular meetings of District Road Safety Committees and Child Transport Committees in all districts.
The District Road Safety Committees, chaired by the respective District Magistrates, have been directed to review school transport safety measures periodically and ensure compliance with statutory requirements aimed at protecting children during their daily commute.
