Crackdown on School Vans: RTO Flags Widespread Overcrowding, Warns of Strict Action
Surprise inspections expose safety violations, Authorities say “children’s lives cannot be compromised”
Our Special Correspondent
Srinagar: In a major push to enforce student safety norms, the Regional Transport Office (RTO) has launched a massive crackdown on private school vans ferrying children, with surprise inspections revealing alarming levels of overcrowding across multiple routes.
Officials said the drive, carried out over the past few days, found that “almost all” vans checked were carrying far more students than permitted, raising serious concerns over safety and compliance.
“Children’s lives cannot be compromised under any circumstances. What we have seen during inspections is deeply concerning,” a senior RTO official said. “Most of the vans were overcrowded, lacked basic safety measures, and were operating in clear violation of transport norms.”
The inspections were conducted at key spots near schools during peak morning and afternoon hours, catching many operators off guard. Several vans were found crammed with students beyond capacity, with some children seen sitting in unsafe positions, including near doors or on makeshift seats.
RTO authorities have issued strict warnings to school administrations as well, holding them accountable for outsourcing transportation without proper oversight.
“Schools cannot wash their hands of responsibility. If they are allowing private vans to ferry students, it is their duty to ensure these vehicles meet all safety standards,” another official said. “We have made it clear that violations will invite strict action, including fines, vehicle seizure, and permit cancellation.”
Parents, too, have expressed concern, saying the issue has persisted for years but lacked enforcement. Many welcomed the crackdown, hoping it would lead to lasting changes in how student transport is regulated.
Officials said the drive will continue in the coming days, with intensified monitoring and zero tolerance for violations. They also urged parents to remain vigilant and report unsafe practices.
“The message is simple—safety first. No compromise when it comes to our children,” the RTO official added.
The crackdown signals a firm intent by authorities to bring discipline to an often-neglected sector, where convenience has too often come at the cost of safety.
