Hyderabad: School Buses Told To Get Fitness Certificates Ahead of Monday Reopening

 Hyderabad: The transport department has mandated that all vehicles used by educational institutions must obtain valid fitness certificates ahead of the reopening of schools on Monday.

Across the state, 25,987 buses are deployed for student transport. Of these, 22,158 have already secured fitness certificates, while the remaining 3,829 have been directed to complete the process before schools reopen. The department said student safety is being accorded the highest priority.

Special fitness inspections are being conducted, with transport authorities initiating action against rule violations. Officials warned that vehicles transporting students must not operate without valid fitness certification or carry passengers beyond the prescribed capacity.

The department said strict action would be taken against vehicles lacking fitness certificates, those carrying students beyond permitted capacity, and those failing to meet safety standards. Inspections are also covering verification of drivers’ licences and experience, availability of safety features such as first-aid kits, fire extinguishers and emergency exits, and checks on brakes, tyres, lights and other mechanical components. Appointment of attendants for student safety is also being verified.

In an advisory to parents, the department urged them not to send children in overloaded vehicles. It cautioned that seizure of non-compliant vehicles during inspections could inconvenience students mid-journey. Parents were advised to verify fitness certification, safety standards and valid permits of the vehicles used by their children.