Despite the message boldly displayed on every school bus, “Children’s Safety is Our Priority,” a significant number of school buses in Warangal district are reportedly neglecting the crucial annual fitness tests mandated by regulations. With the new academic session fast approaching, concerns over student safety are rising as many bus owners have failed to get their vehicles tested and certified.
Out of the 1,820 school and college buses registered in Warangal, only 863 have undergone fitness tests so far. Shockingly, 225 buses have been exempted from testing despite their fitness certificates having expired after the standard five-year validity. This leaves 692 buses still pending online fitness certification, with only five days left before the schools reopen.
Warangal Road Transport Officer, Shobhan Babu, has urged all bus owners to complete the fitness certification process immediately, stressing that these tests are vital for the safety of students commuting daily. The fitness certificates of many buses expired on May 15, yet these vehicles continue to operate without undergoing necessary inspections.
Also Read: Transport Minister Ponnam Prabhakar Orders Stringent Checks for School Buses
Parents have voiced strong concerns, demanding more rigorous, frequent, and proactive bus inspections. “Child safety must be our top priority, and bus fitness checks should be thorough. One bus passing the test does not ensure the safety of the entire fleet. Regular inspections every one or two months are necessary. If any bus is found unsafe, it should be immediately taken off the road,” stated concerned parents.
Officials warn that when accidents occur, the blame falls on authorities, making it imperative to act swiftly and enforce stringent safety measures. With school buses playing a critical role in transporting children, ensuring their roadworthiness is not just a legal obligation but a moral responsibility.
(This story is sourced from a third-party syndicated feed. Raavi Media takes no responsibility or liability of any nature. Raavi Media management/ythisnews.com can alter or delete the content without notice for any reason.)