Nagpur: Is the bus carrying your child to school fit enough to do so? If you are unaware, then consider this: 492 school buses in Nagpur district are running without the mandatory fitness certificate as per an audit of school bus fitness certificates across 56 regional transport offices (RTO) and deputy offices in the state. Nagpur district, which has three offices — city, deputy east, and rural — has registered 3,993 school buses. As a preventive measure, all three offices have issued suspension notices to the owners of 281 buses. Data obtained from the Maharashtra Transport Commissioner’s office shows that over 24% school buses are operating without valid fitness certificates in state. Of the 42,291 school buses registered with the state transport department, 75.86% (31,834 buses) have annual fitness certificates while the same of 10,216 buses have expired.Transport commissioner Vivek Bhimanwar informed TOI that the department has already begun the process to suspend permits of 4,998 school buses across the state. “All RTO have been instructed to seize school buses operating without mandatory fitness certificate,” said Bhimanwar, adding that any negligence regarding students’ safety will not be tolerated.Data reveals that only 14 out of 56 transport department offices have issued notices to suspend permits of 4,998 buses.At 6,366, Pune RTO has the highest number of school buses registered, of which 4,861 have valid fitness certificates, while 1,507 are operating without them. Consequently, the office has served notices for permit suspension to 852 owners.The neighbouring Pimpri Chinchwad RTO has the second-highest number of registered school buses, with 2,951 buses. Out of these, only 1,926 have obtained fitness certificates, prompting the transport department to begin suspending the permits of 1,025 buses.Approximately 26.24% of buses registered with Mumbai (Central), Mumbai (West), Mumbai (East), Thane, and Kalyan are without fitness certificates. Records indicate that 4,861 school buses were registered with these RTOs. Of these, only 3,585 buses have valid fitness certificates, while 1,276 are operating without them. Bhimanwar said a state-wide drive will be initiated against school buses operating without fitness certificates.City RTO Kiran Bidkar mentioned that a special checking drive of vehicles, particularly those ferrying schoolchildren, has been launched. “Records of buses without fitness certificates have been shared with two flying squads to ensure these buses do not ferry schoolchildren,” he said.
We also published the following articles recently
Tram-like electric buses to run on roads soon: Gadkari
Discover the latest in public transportation innovation in Nagpur with the testing of electric buses by Union minister Nitin Gadkari. These buses, created in partnership with Skoda and Tata, offer wireless charging and modern amenities. Learn more about the future of transportation and sustainable fuel production in Vidarbha.
Diversion of buses on Sion ROB to inconvenience several commuters
Discover how the closure of Sion railway overbridge in Mumbai is impacting BEST bus routes. Heavy vehicles restricted from June 29 to July 13. Commuters may experience delays of at least 15 minutes. Find out the alternative routes taken by buses.
Tram-like electric buses to run soon, says Nitin Gadkari
Discover the latest electric buses tested in Nagpur with innovative features like wireless charging and affordable ticket rates. Union minister Nitin Gadkari discusses the collaboration with Skoda and Tata, as well as plans for enhancing the city’s transportation system and producing bio-aviation fuel.
