As the reopening of schools looms closer, a concerning issue has surfaced in Visakhapatnam district: more than 300 school buses are yet to secure their fitness certificates from the Road Transport Authority (RTA).

With a looming deadline of June 12th to obtain the crucial No Objection Certificate (NOC), the urgency to ensure the safety of student transportation has never been higher.

According to RTA officials, there are an estimated 1,300 to 1,500 school buses operating in Visakhapatnam district.

As of now, only around 1,100 buses have successfully completed their fitness tests and acquired the necessary NOC from the department. Despite efforts initiated during the summer holidays, the process is still underway, and time is running short.

Deputy Transport Commissioner G.C. Raja Ratnam emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating that buses failing to secure NOCs before June 12th should refrain from transporting students until they pass the fitness tests.

He disclosed that meetings have been convened with school managements, stressing the imperative of obtaining fitness certifications by the deadline to ensure student safety.

Highlighting the prerequisites, Mr. Raja Ratnam outlined that bus drivers must possess a minimum of five years of driving experience and be under 50 years of age.

Additionally, each school bus must have an attendant to assist students during boarding and disembarking, prioritizing their safety.

Moreover, he emphasized the necessity of conducting breathalyzer tests for drivers before commencing trips.

Regarding autorickshaws transporting students, Mr. Raja Ratnam underscored the importance of maintaining a register and establishing a road safety committee involving parents.

Strict adherence to carrying a maximum of six students at a time is mandated, with any violations to be promptly reported to the committee.

In response to the urgency, the RTA has announced a special drive from June 12th to 30th to inspect the fitness of school buses and autorickshaws.

Buses lacking NOCs risk seizure, and repeated violations could result in the cancellation of school certification, a stern warning issued by Mr. Raja Ratnam.

Despite a commendable safety record in the previous academic year, with no reported school bus accidents in Visakhapatnam, a recent incident involving an autorickshaw and lorry at Sangham-Sarat Junction serves as a stark reminder.

Eight students were injured in the accident attributed to overspeeding, prompting renewed emphasis on ensuring compliance with safety regulations to safeguard student lives.

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