Fitness Certificates Must For School Buses Before Reopening

Hyderabad: Educational institutions must obtain fitness certificates from the local from the Regional Transport Authority office for their vehicles before their reopening in June. Vehicles are required to be equipped with emergency exit windows, first-aid kits and dry-powder fire extinguishers.

The transport department said it was launching a special drive to enforce compliance with the rules so as to prevent accidents.

During previous enforcement drives, the department booked 134 cases against educational institution for violations, collecting `11.64 lakh as compounding fee and `3.2 lakh towards tax and penalties.

In June last year, 12,069 fitness certificates were issued in the Hyderabad region, including 1,054 in Hyderabad, 5,542 in Rangareddy district and 5,473 in Medchal district. Officials said the number of vehicles seeking certification this year is expected to rise by around 10 per cent.

Joint transport commissioner C. Ramesh said, “Special drives and training sessions are being conducted for drivers of buses run by educational institutions. Special checks will begin in June. We want to ensure that every bus is safe and secure.”

The department warned that strict action would be taken against institutions operating vehicles without valid fitness certificates. Special inspections will target vehicles without fitness clearance, those carrying students beyond permitted capacity and those lacking prescribed safety measures.

Officials said enforcement teams will verify documents such as fitness certificate, permit, insurance and Pollution Under Control certificate, along with driver credentials and vehicle condition, including brakes, tyres and lights. Availability of safety equipment and appointment of attendants will also be checked.

Vehicles found without valid fitness certificates or carrying excess students will be seized, and cases registered against owners, drivers and institution managements under the Motor Vehicles Act.

The department said responsibility for vehicle maintenance and compliance rests with school and college managements. It also urged parents to avoid sending children in overloaded vehicles and to verify fitness and safety compliance in advance, warning that violations detected during inspections could cause inconvenience to students.

The department said all student transport vehicles must comply with fitness and safety norms before schools reopen.