Pune, Maharashtra (June 27, 2025): The Regional Transport Office in Pune has issued an order mandating the installation of CCTV cameras in all school buses and vans by July 31 to ensure the safety of students. Failure to comply will lead to action against vehicle owners and drivers, officials said. Currently, around 7,103 school buses and vans transport students across Pune city and its suburbs. Officials say that while some buses have cameras, many are non-functional. Most school vans reportedly do not have CCTV systems at all.
The move comes after several incidents involving school children were reported in the past year. In response, Pune police and the transport department decided to make CCTV cameras compulsory in all school transport vehicles. The decision was made during a recent meeting of the School Bus Safety Committee, where other important measures were also discussed.
Since the new academic year has begun, student transport operations are now in full swing. The RTO has urged school authorities and vehicle owners to take all necessary precautions. The School Management Committee and the Student Safety and Infrastructure Development Committee have been asked to ensure adherence to the school bus safety policy and newly issued conditions.
Key Guidelines Issued:
All school buses and transport vehicles must install CCTV cameras.
Women staff must be appointed in vehicles transporting children under six years of age.
A female staff member is mandatory in vehicles transporting girl students.
Police verification is required for drivers, conductors and cleaners.
Transporting students beyond vehicle capacity is strictly prohibited.
“CCTV cameras must be installed in all vehicles used for student transport by July 31. From August 1, inspections will be conducted to check compliance with the school bus guidelines. Strict action will be taken against violators,” said Swapnil Bhosale, Deputy Regional Transport Officer, Pune.