Archive · 3 Jun 2025
Overloaded School Transport Vehicles Worry Chennai Parents
When schools in Chennai reopened, many parents noticed too many kids crammed into autorickshaws and vans.
Parents are worried that school vehicles are carrying too many children, making it unsafe.
They want schools and drivers to be more careful.
Existing rules say how many kids can fit in a vehicle, but they aren't always followed.
Parents and child rights activists say that those responsible need to be held accountable.
Officials say that they will take action if they get official complaints.
Schools reopened in Chennai on June 2, 2025, after summer vacation, with overloaded vehicles seen.
Parents express concerns about child safety due to overcrowding in autorickshaws and vans.
A State Government Order limits autorickshaws to five children (under 14) or three adults.
Schools were given guidelines to enhance safety, including checks on drivers and vehicle conditions in 2024.
Parents and officials are calling for enforcement from traffic police and the Transport Department.
- Who
- Parents, school children, drivers, school authorities, traffic police, and the Transport Department.
- What
- Overloading of school transport vehicles.
- When
- June 2, 2025 (and ongoing).
- Where
- Chennai, Tamil Nadu.
- Why
- Due to inadequate enforcement of existing safety regulations and lack of driver accountability.
Parents
School Authorities
Responsibility for Child Safety
Parents
Parents should vet drivers and vehicles before using their services.
School Authorities
School authorities and drivers are not taking adequate responsibility for children's safety.
Enforcement of Existing Regulations
Parents
Greater Chennai Traffic Police states that no complaints have been received.
School Authorities
Traffic police and Transport Department should take action to curtail the issue of overloading.
- Date of Reopening
- June 2, 2025
- Location
- Chennai, Tamil Nadu
- Vehicles Involved
- Autorickshaws and vans
- Legal Autorickshaw Capacity
- Five children (under 14) or three adults
- Main Issue
- Concern among parents regarding safety
Sources
New academic year: traffic regulations come into effect in Thiruvananthapuram city
Overloading of vehicles dropping off schoolchildren raises concern among parents
IAP Kerala comes out with guidelines for students, parents and schools
