In a significant move to enhance student safety, Maharashtra Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik has announced plans to amend the state’s school bus policy.
According to sources, currently, around 40,000 authorized school buses / vehicles are operating in Maharashtra. However, the School Bus Association revealed that an estimated currently 50,000 to 60,000 unauthorized vehicles across the state are transporting students—many in unsafe conditions
Emphasizing that the safety and comfort of children is the department's foremost priority, Sarnaik declared that necessary changes will be made to the existing 2011 guidelines. The announcement was made during a high-level meeting at the Yashwantrao Chavan Auditorium, attended by representatives from the School Bus Association, Parents Association, Transport Commissioner Vivek Bhimanwar, and other senior officials.
Sarnaik underlined that all school bus drivers must strictly adhere to safety norms, warning that there would be “no compromise” on student welfare. “The rules will be revised, but without diluting safety standards,” he said. “Suggestions from parents and drivers’ associations will be considered, but no protection will be offered to violators.”
The Minister further stated that a three-month window will be given to these unauthorized operators to register with their local Regional Transport Offices (RTOs) and pay the required penalties. After the deadline, strict action will be taken, and any leniency by RTO officials will invite disciplinary consequences.
On this occasion transport Commissioner Vivek Bhimanwar highlighted that Maharashtra was the first state to introduce a dedicated school bus policy. “Any shortcomings in the system will be addressed in the upcoming revisions,” he assured, adding that all feedback received during the meeting will be carefully evaluated.
