Karimnagar School Buses Await Fitness Certification

KARIMNAGAR: With educational institutions set to reopen soon, managements have been directed to complete fitness tests for buses used to transport students and obtain certificates from the Regional Transport Authority (RTA) by June 12.

However, allegations have surfaced that some institutions are yet to initiate the process. Officials warn that operating buses without fitness certification could increase the risk of accidents.

More than 2,100 school buses in four districts

A total of 2,198 buses attached to educational institutions are operating across Karimnagar, Jagtial, Peddapalli and Rajanna Sircilla districts.

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Of these, 429 buses are more than 15 years old, while 612 already possess valid fitness certificates. The remaining 1,586 buses are yet to undergo fitness tests. So far, fitness inspections have been conducted for only about 30 buses.

Concerns over meeting June 12 deadline

Transport officials said several educational institutions have not come forward to present their buses for testing. It has become common for many schools to bring buses to transport department offices just two or three days before reopening and seek fitness certification in a rush.

Questions are also being raised over whether fitness tests for more than 1,500 buses can be completed before the June 12 deadline.

Mandatory requirements for school buses

The fitness validity of educational institution buses expired on May 15 and must be renewed through fresh inspections by June 12.

Other requirements include:

Valid insurance coverage for every bus.
Drivers must be below 60 years of age.
Driver details, institution name and contact number must be displayed prominently on both sides of the bus.
Iron safety bars must be fitted on windows.
A first-aid box must be available in every bus.
An attendant must accompany students.
A list of students travelling in the bus must be displayed inside the vehicle.