2 weeks ago
Pune makes CCTV, tracking, fire-safety gear mandatory for school buses
The police in Pune, India, have made new rules to keep children safe while travelling to school.
Every school bus and van must have CCTV cameras so people can see what happens during the trip.
The vehicles also need a device that shows where they are at all times and a system that can detect fires.
Parents will be able to watch live camera footage through a mobile app.
The video recordings must be saved for at least 30 days.
For younger children up to Class 5, a woman attendant or another staff member must be on every trip to look after them.
Drivers and helpers need medical check-ups and police background checks before they can start work.
School bus fares will also be decided by a transport authority, and operators cannot charge much more than that set amount.
If schools and bus companies do not follow the safety rules within three months, their licences could be suspended or cancelled.
This way, children can travel to school more safely.
Pune District School Bus Safety Committee has made CCTV cameras, live vehicle tracking and fire-safety systems mandatory for all school transport vehicles.
The rules follow the state government's July 16, 2026 amendment to school bus safety rules, with three months given for compliance.
Vehicles failing to comply could face suspension or cancellation of licences, and police and transport departments will conduct joint inspection drives.
Schools must appoint and verify drivers and women attendants in writing, including character verification and medical examinations, before appointment.
School bus and van fares will be fixed by the Regional Transport Authority, with operators barred from charging more than 10 percent above or below the minimum fare.
- Who
- The Pune District School Bus Safety Committee, chaired by Joint Commissioner of Police Sanjay Darade, directing schools and school transport operators in Pune district.
- What
- Mandatory safety requirements for school transport vehicles, including CCTV cameras, live vehicle tracking, fire-safety systems, staff verification and RTA-determined fares.
- Where
- Pune district, Maharashtra, India.
- When
- Decision announced at a committee meeting held on Wednesday; the state government had amended the school bus safety rules on July 16, 2026.
- Why
- To ensure safer transportation for schoolchildren and improve accountability among schools and school transport operators.
Key facts
- Mandatory equipment
- Functional CCTV cameras, Vehicle Location Tracking Device (VLTD) compliant with AIS-140, and Fire Detection and Alarm System (FDAS) or 1 kg fireballs
- Rules amended
- July 16, 2026, by the state government
- Compliance deadline
- Three months
- Penalty for non-compliance
- Suspension or cancellation of vehicle licences
- CCTV footage retention
- At least 30 days, with a feed available to parents and enforcement agencies
- Supervision rule
- Woman attendant or other staff member required for trips with students up to Class 5
- Staff verification
- Character verification and medical examination before appointment; police verification completed within seven working days
- Fare regulation
- Fares fixed by Regional Transport Authority; operators limited to 10% above or below the minimum fare
Sources
Related news
Pune School Buses Face Action Without Functional CCTV
Uttar Pradesh Makes Attendants Mandatory in School Vehicles
Tirupati SP directs schools to strengthen student safety measures
Delhi Tightens Bus Safety Rules After Minor’s Alleged Gang-Rape
Bus Rape Case Exposes Safety Lapses and Traffic Violations
Trimulgherry RTA Office Faces Partial Demolition for Corridor
Pune RTA Approves Autorickshaw Fare Hike from September 1
Pune Riders Await New Aggregator Rules to Curb Overcharging
