Archive · 12 Aug 2025
Maharashtra Reintroduces School Van Permits with Safety Upgrades
Maharashtra is starting a new plan to let school vans carry kids again, but with extra safety rules.
Only vans with room for 13 people (including the driver) and special safety features will get permits.
These vans will have things like special doors, emergency exits, and trackers so parents can know where they are.
The government says this will make it safer for kids and also create new jobs.
However, some people who own school buses are worried that more vans will mean more cars on the road.
Maharashtra is set to reissue school van permits with new safety standards.
Permits will be granted to vans meeting AIS 204 standards with a 12+1 seating capacity.
New vans must include features like driver identification, emergency exits, and vehicle tracking.
The initiative aims to enhance student safety and create employment opportunities.
School bus owners express concern over increased road congestion due to proliferation of vans.
- Who
- The Maharashtra State Transport Department and the School Bus Owners’ Association are involved.
- What
- Maharashtra is reissuing school van permits with new safety features.
- When
- The State Transport Department is restarting the issuance of school van permits.
- Where
- Maharashtra, India
- Why
- To ensure the safe transportation of school children and create employment.
Government View
School Bus Owners Association View
Safety vs. Congestion
Government View
Prioritizing student safety and creating jobs.
School Bus Owners Association View
Concerned about increased traffic congestion.
- Permit Issuance
- Reopening
- Policy Alignment
- AIS 204 guidelines
- Vehicle Capacity
- 12+1 seating
- Key Features
- Driver badges, emergency exits, vehicle tracking
- Minister
- Pratap Sarnaik
