Gonda – Authorities in Gonda have warned schools that vehicles transporting students without valid fitness certificates will face strict action. The Regional Transport Office has made it clear that if any school vehicle is found carrying children without proper fitness approval, legal action will also be taken against the concerned school management.
Assistant Regional Transport Officer (ARTO) R.C. Bhartiya stated that the government has directed strict enforcement of the Uttar Pradesh Motor Vehicles Rules, 2019 regarding the operation of school transport vehicles.
According to the guidelines, school buses must have a valid fitness certificate and be painted yellow with the words “School Bus” clearly written on the front and rear. The name of the school must also be displayed on both sides of the vehicle. Bus doors must have reliable locking systems, and a handrail should be installed on the lower step of the front entrance.
Safety features are also mandatory. Buses must be equipped with a non-slippery holding rod fixed to the roof, a transparent first-aid box, and two BIS-marked fire extinguishers placed in both the driver’s cabin and the rear section.
Officials also emphasized the need for an emergency door and an emergency window. The emergency door should measure approximately 55 cm by 120 cm and be capable of opening from both inside and outside. The emergency exit window, positioned at the rear, must be made of toughened glass with a fixed frame and include a provision to break the glass in case of emergencies. Windows should also have protective bars or mesh to prevent students from leaning out.
Additionally, school buses must be fitted with hazard warning lights used while boarding or dropping students, GPS-based vehicle tracking systems, and CCTV cameras for monitoring. The vehicle floor should be in good condition, and the presence of an attendant inside the bus is compulsory.
ARTO R.C. Bhartiya warned that if any accident occurs due to negligence or violation of these rules, the responsibility will lie with the school management or principal, and an FIR may be registered against them. Authorities have urged schools to ensure full compliance to safeguard student safety.
