139 school buses fined ₹7 lakh for violations in March

According to the state transport department, the special drive was conducted by the Regional Transport Offices (RTOs) of Wadala and Mumbai Central in March to ensure safe transportation of students

Mumbai: The state transport department fined 139 school buses across Mumbai a total of ₹7 lakh for violating Motor Vehicles rules during a month-long inspection drive in March.

139 school buses fined ₹7 lakh for violations in March

According to the state transport department, the special drive was conducted by the Regional Transport Offices (RTOs) of Wadala and Mumbai Central in March to ensure safe transportation of students. “In the past month, a total of 402 school buses were inspected, of which we found that 139 buses had violated Motor Vehicle rules and so fines amounting to ₹7 lakh were imposed,” said a RTO official. In some cases, private vehicles such as Omni vans were illegally transporting school students. Officials said these vans often carry 12 to 15 children at a time, with some children made to sit on CNG tanks, posing a serious safety risk.

Officials said that despite the practice being illegal and school bus associations raising objections, some schools continue to allow private vans to ferry students. Bus association members also blamed parents for opting for cheaper private vans instead of authorised school buses, compromising student safety. Among other violations found were the absence of a female attendant, the lack of the mandatory yellow colour for school buses, operating without valid permits, and the absence of the mandatory “School Bus” signboard.

The transport department has issued a strict warning stating that no compromise will be made on student safety. “School managements, bus drivers, and vehicle owners must strictly follow government regulations, failing which strict action will be taken,” the official said.

The department has also urged parents to ensure that school buses are equipped with safety features such as CCTV cameras, GPS tracking systems, fire safety equipment, and trained staff, and to avoid sending children in private vans. The inspection drive will continue, with surprise checks to be carried out across different parts of the city.