Karnataka books 10,237 cases against school vehicles in three years; Bengaluru tops list

Over three years, the Karnataka Transport Department issued 10,237 violation notices against school vehicles for safety and compliance issues, as per department records obtained by The Hindu. Bengaluru Urban led the list with 3,244 cases, followed by Hassan with 1,169 and Kolar with 674. Mangaluru reported 371 cases, while Mysuru, Belagavi, Kalaburagi and other districts recorded significant numbers as well.

These violations included missing fitness certificates, overloading, non-compliance with speed limits, and absence of essential safety equipment.

Department officials emphasized ongoing inspections of school buses, vans and other vehicles to ensure adherence to safety norms. "We have been conducting inspections of school buses, vans and other vehicles used to transport students to ensure they meet mandatory safety requirements and that operators comply with regulations," a transport official stated.

The department is also running awareness programs to highlight the importance of school-transport safety, instructing Regional Transport Offices (RTOs) to engage with school administrations and educate them on safety measures.

B.N. Yogananda, General Secretary of the RTE Students' and Parents' Association, called for stronger implementation of safety measures for school vehicles. He suggested that school vehicle drivers should undergo mandatory police verification to enhance child safety. While acknowledging the existing system's shortcomings, Yogananda urged the Police and Transport Departments to collaborate in monitoring compliance.

He criticized the lack of seriousness from many school administrations regarding student transport safety, stating that the current enforcement measures were insufficient.