ARTO Ganderbal Cracks Down on Unsafe School Transport, Issues Strict Directions
Private Vehicles Banned for Student Ferrying; AIS-063 Norms, Experienced Drivers Made Mandatory
Ganderbal, Apr 27 (KNC): The Assistant Regional Transport Officer (ARTO) Ganderbal has issued a strict notice to all school authorities in the district, directing immediate compliance with safety norms for transportation of school children and warning against the use of unauthorized private vehicles.
According to the notice, as per news agency Kashmir News Corner—KNC, it has been observed that several private vehicles, including vans and Maruti Eeco cars, are being used for ferrying students in violation of prescribed safety standards under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 and AIS-063 guidelines for school buses.
The authorities expressed concern that such vehicles lack essential safety features like speed governors and are often involved in overloading and overspeeding, posing serious risks to the safety of children.
In view of rising road safety concerns, all schools have been directed to immediately discontinue the use of private vehicles and instead engage only those vehicles that meet AIS-063 safety standards. Schools have also been instructed to strictly follow safety guidelines issued by the Supreme Court of India regarding transportation of school children.
Further, it has been made mandatory that all school vehicle drivers must have a minimum of five years of driving experience along with a clean driving record without repeated traffic violations.
The ARTO has warned that strict action will be taken against violators and emphasized that ensuring the safety of school children remains a top priority. (KNC)
