Ahmedabad: The state road transport department has directed RTOs across Gujarat to step up inspections of school buses, with the Surendranagar RTO becoming one of the first to launch an intensive checking drive. The RTO there has cancelled the fitness certificates of 12 school buses after finding safety and regulatory violations. Challans were issued against another 10 vehicles for various violations.During the drive, officials inspected 107 school buses operating across different parts of Surendranagar district. The checks covered vehicle fitness, mandatory documents, safety equipment and compliance with provisions of the Motor Vehicles Act and other regulations.The inspections are aimed at ensuring the safety of children travelling to and from schools.Before launching the drive, Surendranagar RTO officer M D Pansheriya held a meeting with the president of the school management association. School authorities, bus owners and drivers were briefed about maintaining vehicles in proper condition, ensuring the availability of safety equipment and keeping mandatory documents updated.Officials said the inspections would focus not only on paperwork but also on the overall roadworthiness and safety arrangements of school buses.Sources said the Surendranagar drive could set the pattern for similar inspections by RTOs in other districts.
