Rajkot Additional Collector orders completion of safety measures in school transport by Aug 9

Rajkot: Additional Collector C.A. Gandhi has issued new safety directives for school transportation in Rajkot district. These regulations apply to government and private schools, colleges, coaching classes, as well as owners and drivers of school buses, vans, and rickshaws. The directives mandate that by August 9, vehicles must provide driver information, install fire extinguishers, CCTV cameras, speed measuring devices, and emergency doors.

The new directives specify the following:

– Driver information, including name, address, license number, badge number, and helpline number, must be clearly displayed on the interior and exterior of school transport vehicles.

– Installation of speed measuring devices in all school transport vehicles.

– Placement of two ABC-type fire extinguishers weighing 5 kg each, ISI certified, in the driver’s cabin and near the emergency door.

– Installation of horizontal bars and nets on windows, reliable door locks, and an emergency exit door in the vehicles.

– Non-combustible bus seats, operational GPS systems, and functional CCTV systems.

– Provision of a first aid kit and an emergency alarm bell in every school transport vehicle.

– Prohibition of films or curtains on bus windows.

– Drivers must possess a valid driving license, tax permit, PUC, and passenger insurance, and must provide periodic physical fitness certificates.

Additional requirements for auto rickshaws and vans used for school transportation include:

– Seating limited to the RTO-approved capacity.

– Clearly marking “School Transport” on the vehicles.

– Equipping with a first aid box, fire extinguishers, and additional seating arrangements in the cargo compartment.

– Nets on windows and prohibition of children sitting on the driver’s seat.

– Prohibition of hanging children’s schoolbags outside the vehicle.

– Painting “School Van” in red color around the vehicle.