76 Institutions Censured Over School Bus Safety Lapses in Visakhapatnam

The Transport Department has issued notices to 76 educational institutions in Visakhapatnam district after inspections found several school and college buses allegedly flouting prescribed safety norms.

According to Deputy Transport Commissioner Manikumar, officials have so far inspected 368 buses out of a total fleet of 1,250 vehicles operated by educational institutions across the district since April 28.

“The inspections have revealed multiple lapses ranging from non-functional emergency exits to missing safety equipment. We have given the institutions one week to rectify all deficiencies and produce the vehicles for re-verification,” Mr. Manikumar said.

He added that student safety remains the top priority. “There will be zero compromise on safety standards. Institutions failing to comply will face strict action as per the Motor Vehicles Act,” he warned.

A senior Motor Vehicle Inspector involved in the drive said the focus was on preventive enforcement rather than punitive measures alone. “Our aim is to ensure every child travels in a safe vehicle. Many issues are minor but critical, like worn-out fire extinguishers or faulty alarms, which can become serious risks if ignored,” the official noted.

Parents have welcomed the intensified checks but expressed concern over recurring violations. “We trust schools with our children every day. If basic safety rules are being ignored, it is worrying. The authorities should conduct these inspections regularly, not just as a one-time exercise,” said a parent from Madhurawada.

Transport officials indicated that further inspections will continue across remaining vehicles in the coming days, with follow-up action planned after the compliance deadline.