Gandhinagar: Ahead of the new academic session in Gujarat, which will commence on June 13, the state government’s transport department has mandated safety rules for school transportation. These rules, applicable to school vans, buses, and auto-rickshaws, include seating capacity limits, mandatory fire extinguishers, fire alarm systems, and speed limits. The aim of these measures is to ensure the safe transport of students to and from school.

The age of students allowed to be seated at twice the vehicle’s seating capacity has been set at 12 years. Additionally, school buses must be equipped with a fire alarm protection system, and vehicles must undergo fitness checks to ensure proper CNG or LPG kit installations. School administrators are responsible for conducting frequent checks of school vans. The transport department has instructed all District Education Officers and District Primary Education Officers to inform school administrators and parents about these new rules.

For children over 12 years old, the number of students seated must not exceed the vehicle’s designated seating capacity, or legal action can be taken. The transport department will monitor adherence to these rules to ensure the safety of students. DeshGujarat