Over 2,000 school buses, vans in Pimpri-Chinchwad and Pune yet to clear mandatory fitness checks

Despite prior warnings from the Regional Transport Office (RTO) and the new academic year having begun already, over 2,000 school buses and vans across Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad are yet to undergo the mandatory fitness checks, raising serious concerns about the safety of thousands of schoolchildren.

- Dheeraj Bengrut and Kimaya Boralkar

PUNE:

According to official data, Pune has 7,103 while Pimpri-Chinchwad has 3,195 registered school buses and vans, totaling 10,298 such vehicles used for ferrying students. Of these, only 8,136 have valid fitness certificates while 2,162 vehicles—including 1,403 in Pune and 759 in Pimpri-Chinchwad—are still to renew fitness certificates.

Swapnil Bhosale, deputy regional transport officer, Pune, said, "These vehicles are not roadworthy as per records. We have launched an inspection drive to verify whether these vehicles are still operating. If they are found to be running without valid fitness certificates, strict action will follow under the Motor Vehicles Act. We have consistently instructed school authorities and vehicle owners and even set up special facilities to ensure timely inspections. Still, some continue to disregard these warnings."