UP cracks down on unsafe school transport: Over 900 vehicles seized, Rs 88 lakh in fines

Ensuring student safety, the Uttar Pradesh government conducted a statewide crackdown on unsafe school vehicles from July 1 to 15.

During the drive, 46,748 of 67,613 registered school buses and vans (69% of the fleet) were inspected—revealing that 4,089 vehicles (over 8.7%) violated safety norms, officials here on Wednesday confirmed.

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Authorities issued 4,438 challans, seized 913 vehicles, and collected penalties totaling Rs 88.52 lakh. A total of 1,768 vehicles were found to be operating despite expired fitness certificates.

Following the campaign, the Transport Commissioner directed all RTOs and ARTOs to conduct monthly reviews of school vehicle operations. Emphasis has been placed on transparency, accountability, and stringent safety compliance to ensure that school transport becomes more reliable and secure for children across the state.

District-level reviews showed strong enforcement in regions like Prayagraj, Farrukhabad, Lucknow, and Kanpur Nagar, while Mau, Maharajganj, Deoria, Hapur, and Siddharthnagar lagged in inspections and enforcement efforts.

The Transport Commissioner of Uttar Pradesh has issued letters to all District Magistrates, Divisional Commissioners (as Chairpersons of Regional Transport Authorities), RTOs/ARTOs, and school principals regarding the safe operation of school vehicles.

The commissioner has clearly directed that private vehicles operating without permits be seized immediately, and vehicles with expired fitness certificates must not be allowed to run. If any school is found violating rules, strict action should be taken in coordination with the District Education Department and the District Magistrate’s office.

All District Magistrates have been asked to activate the District School Vehicle Safety Committees, hold regular meetings, and closely monitor school transport safety. They must also ensure that private vehicles used for school transport are formally affiliated and authorized without delay.

Furthermore, school principals and managers have been clearly told that they are fully responsible for every vehicle (bus, van, or auto) operated by their school. Every school must immediately set up a ‘School Transport Safety Committee’ and make sure that all vehicles have valid documents, driver verification, and proper safety equipment.

No vehicle without proper approval or permit should be allowed to operate from school premises. If any accident or crime happens involving such vehicles, the school management will be held accountable.

State Transport Commissioner Brajesh Narayan Singh affirmed that negligence or violations in the operation of school vehicles will not be tolerated.