Hyderabad: As schools and colleges reopened across Telangana on Monday, the transport department launched a statewide special drive to inspect educational institution vehicles and enforce safety norms. Officials booked hundreds of vehicles for various violations and seized buses operating without valid fitness certificates.However, even as school buses have come under strict scrutiny, concerns are being raised over autorickshaws ferrying schoolchildren, many of which continue to operate with little oversight despite routinely carrying students far beyond their permitted capacity.In several parts of Hyderabad and other districts, autos packed with 10 to 15 children are a common sight, with some students seated precariously in the vehicle. Parents and road safety activists warn that such overloading poses serious risks in the event of sudden braking or accidents.An autorickshaw union leader, requesting anonymity, said inspections on autos transporting schoolchildren are infrequent. “Many vehicles do not fully comply with safety norms. Authorities should conduct regular checks to ensure the safety of children,” he said.Road safety expert Dheerendra Samineni said enforcement should not be confined to school buses alone. “Thousands of children depend on autorickshaws every day. The same safety standards must apply to all vehicles carrying students. Unfortunately, overloading has become normalised,” he said.He pointed out that specific safety norms exist for school autos, including provisions such as a closed side and a safety gate on the other side to prevent children from falling out. “Autorickshaws are highly vulnerable in accidents and the chances of injuries are much higher. The permitted limit is eight children below six years of age, but many operators violate these norms and carry far more passengers. I would advise parents to opt for school vans wherever possible,” Samineni added.According to a senior transport department official, the ongoing special drive was primarily aimed at registered educational institution vehicles, while enforcement against overloaded autos is carried out periodically. He said 24 autos and vans were booked for violations on Monday.“Student safety is our priority. Overloading and operating vehicles without valid fitness certificates are violations, and action will be taken whenever such cases are detected,” the official said.Many parents say they rely on autorickshaws because of their affordability and the absence of school transport facilities. “Not every family can afford private school buses. But safety cannot be compromised. Authorities should ensure regular checks on these vehicles,” said Neredmet resident and parent Peraboina Lakshmi Prasanna.Under the Motor Vehicles Act, carrying passengers beyond the permitted capacity and operating vehicles without valid fitness certificates attracts penalties. Transport officials said enforcement drives covering all categories of passenger vehicles would continue in the coming days.
