Crackdown on School Vans Intensifies in Jammu After Fatal Accidents

Jammu: In the wake of recent fatal road accidents, including the tragic death of a college student, the Regional Transport Office (RTO) Jammu has intensified its crackdown on private school van operators violating safety norms. The drive, launched on Tuesday, aims to enforce stricter regulations to ensure the safety of school children across the Jammu region.
RTO Jammu officials stated that the drive will continue for a month and cover all ten districts of Jammu province. The move comes amid growing concerns over the widespread use of outdated vehicles and blatant disregard for safety protocols by private transport operators ferrying school children.
Authorities have reiterated that no school van or private bus older than 15 years will be permitted to operate for student transport. Fitness of vehicles has been identified as a key concern, with officials emphasizing that outdated and poorly maintained vans pose a serious risk to children.
During the ongoing drive, enforcement teams have already taken action against several institutions. On Monday, 11 school vans and one bus belonging to a prominent private school were seized for non-compliance. On Tuesday, eight buses of another private school in Sainik Colony were also impounded, while a third institution was issued a stern warning.
Officials highlighted multiple violations, including lack of essential safety equipment such as CCTV cameras, fire extinguishers, and first aid kits. Improper display of mandatory information and inadequate documentation were also flagged during inspections.
Overloading of school vans has emerged as a major concern. Authorities noted that many vehicles were found carrying children far beyond their permitted capacity, often in unsafe and cramped conditions. Officials described instances where young children were being “herded” into vehicles, significantly increasing the risk during transit.
The crackdown follows two recent tragic incidents that have shaken public confidence in road safety enforcement. Earlier this month, a college student lost her life after falling from a reportedly rashly driven bus during a college trip in Udhampur district. In another incident, 21 passengers were killed and more than 50 injured when a private bus plunged into a gorge in the same district.
Transport authorities have made it clear that negligence and violations will not be tolerated. The focus of the drive remains on ensuring strict adherence to safety norms, preventing overloading, and verifying proper documentation of vehicles and drivers.
The administration has urged school authorities and transport operators to cooperate with enforcement agencies and prioritize the safety of children. Parents have also been advised to remain vigilant and ensure that the vehicles used for their children meet prescribed safety standards.
With intensified inspections and strict penalties, officials hope the drive will bring much-needed discipline to school transportation and prevent further tragedies on the region’s roads.