As schools reopen for the new academic year, serious concerns have emerged regarding the safety of school transport vehicles in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad. In a recent inspection drive conducted by the Regional Transport Office (RTO), nearly 711 school buses and vans were found operating without proper seat safety systems.

Speaking to mid-day, Deputy Regional Transport Officer Rahul Jadhav confirmed that vehicle fitness checks are ongoing, and the latest inspection revealed significant lapses. “Around 711 vehicles were found without adequate seat safety features. However, this doesn’t mean they were immediately stopped from operating,” he clarified.

The seat fitness system refers to safety measures related to seating in school vehicles, including the strength of seat frames, proper anchorage, and seat belts, especially in smaller buses. These features are critical for minimising injury risks in case of accidents or sudden braking. The official added, “Sometimes, if a vehicle is old or hasn’t been operational for a long time, the seat system gets damaged.”