Pune RTO Cracks Down on School Buses and Vans Amid Child Safety Concerns

Reported by Tikam Shekhawat

Pune, 5th Oct 2024: In response to a recent child abuse case involving a school van driver, the Pune Regional Transport Office (RTO) has launched a proactive inspection drive targeting school buses and vans across the city. The initiative, conducted on 4th October 2024, aimed to ensure compliance with safety regulations and protect students.

The inspection covered key areas, including Vishrantwadi, Wadgaonsheri, Viman Nagar, Wagholi, Hadapsar, Lonikand, Saswad, Satara Road, Bibwewadi, Katraj, and Khadi Machine Chowk. A total of four squads were deployed for the operation, resulting in the issuance of 117 memos to van drivers found violating RTO rules. Penalties totaling ₹4,74,500 were imposed on non-compliant school vans and buses.

RTO officer Archana Gaikwad, while speaking to Punekar News, stated, “The initiative not only focused on routine inspections but also emphasized critical safety measures, including proper seating arrangements and adherence to load capacity limits.”

Deputy RTO Swapnil Bhosale confirmed that 18 schools were visited as part of an awareness campaign targeting female students who use school vans and buses. He said, “This is a proactive measure to ensure student safety, and non-compliance will attract strict penalties and further action. The inspection drive will continue from time to time as part of the RTO’s commitment to ensuring safety in school transport.”