Pune: In a major initiative to bolster student safety, the Pune Police Commissionerate has set a final deadline of July 31 for all school transport operators across Pune and neighboring areas to install CCTV cameras in their vehicles. Following this deadline, a coordinated inspection will be conducted by Pune Police and the Regional Transport Office (RTO) to ensure full compliance with safety regulations.
This decisive action follows several safety violations observed on June 16 — the first day of school reopening — where many school vehicles were reportedly overcrowded and failed to follow essential safety guidelines previously prescribed by the authorities.
To address these lapses, Pune Police Commissioner Amitesh Kumar recently held a high-level meeting with transport officials, directing strict enforcement of school transport safety standards without exceptions.
As per a June 21 circular by the Pune RTO, the upcoming checks will follow recommendations made by the School Transport Committee and the Student Safety and Physical Facilities Committee under the school education department. The inspection drive will focus on vehicle roadworthiness and driver qualifications, ensuring that school transport operators meet all mandatory safety requirements.
Additionally, the RTO has mandated that every driver undergo an annual eye examination. Drivers must keep a valid vision test certificate, which will be verified by school management committees. Any driver who cannot produce this document will be disqualified from driving school vehicles.
The inspection campaign will cover all forms of school transport — including vans, buses, and auto-rickshaws — and operators found violating these safety standards will face fines, license suspension, or vehicle confiscation.
This proactive move aims to reinforce safety, transparency, and accountability across Pune’s school transport system, putting students’ well-being at the center of the initiative.
