The Rampant Overloading Crisis in School Transport

Hubballi

The overloading of school vehicles is putting the safety of children at serious risk, despite existing regulations from the Police and Regional Transport Office (RTO). Auto-rickshaws, vans, and magic vehicles, commonly used for student transport, are routinely found carrying far more children than allowed. While auto-rickshaws are permitted to carry only six students, many drivers regularly transport ten or more. Similarly, vans and magic vehicles, which should follow strict passenger limits, are often overloaded with more than twenty children.

Drivers, though admitting to these violations, cite financial pressures as the primary reason behind such dangerous practices. According to them, the monthly fees collected from parents barely cover fuel costs and vehicle maintenance. Raising the fare would lead parents to seek more affordable alternatives, thus affecting their livelihood. However, overloading not only compromises safety but also increases the risk of accidents, especially as these vehicles navigate through busy streets with children often squeezed into seats meant for fewer passengers.

Some auto-rickshaws operate without proper doors, while others permit students to sit beside the driver, which is a clear violation of safety norms. Despite clear guidelines from the transport department limiting the number of passengers in a vehicle, the practice continues unabated due to lack of enforcement. The transport department specifies that an auto should carry no more than six children, but the overcrowding persists with limited intervention from local authorities.

Parents, while concerned about the safety of their children, often have no choice but to rely on these overcrowded vehicles due to the absence of proper school bus services in many areas. The limited availability and affordability of alternatives make it difficult for them to opt for safer options.

Box:

The absence of well-organized school bus services has further exacerbated the issue. Local authorities must take strict action, monitor vehicles during peak hours, and enforce regulations to prevent overloading. Regular inspections and better transport infrastructure are key to ensuring the safety of students.