Vizag: Crackdown on Erring School Transport Operators
Visakhapatnam: The district transport commissioner (DTC) has seized four school transport buses and 12 school autos for flouting safety norms in Visakhaptanam.
Speaking to DC on Monday, deputy transport commissioner, Vizag, Raja Ratnam said, "Since June 13, 2024, we have registered 86 cases related to violations by school and college transport vehicles, leading to the seizure of nine buses and five autos."
The seizures were part of a special inspection operation conducted across various regions, including Anandapuram, Pendurthi, Vepagunta, Naval Armament Depot, Maddilapalem, Gambhiram, and Boyapalem.
Ratnam said inspections were being carried out weekly to enforce compliance with safety regulations.
The most commonly flouted rule was of over-seating.
"For autos, the maximum capacity is six children, and for buses it depends on the seating capacity. It's the responsibility of the school management to ensure proper documentation, conduct background check of drivers, and prioritise the safety of children," Ratnam added.