UP Govt Cracks Down On Unfit School Vehicles Ahead Of New Academic Session

Yogi govt launches 15-day crackdown on 183 unfit school vehicles in UP; FIRs to be filed against violators as schools reopen. Fitness checks and strict action to ensure student safety.

Yogi Govt Launches 15-Day Crackdown on 183 Unfit School Vehicles in UP

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With schools across Uttar Pradesh reopening from today, the state’s transport authorities are launching a rigorous 15-day crackdown on unfit and unauthorized school vehicles to ensure student safety. The campaign, running from July 1 to July 15, will involve strict inspections by the Regional Transport Office (RTO), with legal action promised against violators.

According to a recent report, 183 school and institutional vehicles in Lucknow have been declared unfit, and 258 others are currently without valid fitness certificates or operating permits. Transport department officials have warned that any such vehicle found ferrying students will not only face immediate seizure but also invite First Information Reports (FIRs) against both the vehicle owner and the respective school administration.

On Monday, vehicle owners flocked to the Transport Nagar RTO fitness center in Lucknow amid heavy rainfall, forming long queues in an attempt to comply before the deadline. Motor Vehicle Inspector Vishnu Kumar oversaw inspections, and by evening, fitness certificates had been granted to 22 vehicles.

Officials confirmed that of the 122 vehicles flagged in Lucknow for lacking fitness clearance, 45 have now received certification. However, 77 vehicles remain unfit, raising concerns that many could still hit the roads when schools reopen—posing a significant safety risk to children.

Enforcement Campaign Kicks Off Today

RTO Enforcement Officer Prabhat Pandey confirmed that from July 1, enforcement teams will conduct daily checks targeting school vehicles. “This is a zero-tolerance campaign,” Pandey said. “Any vehicle found violating norms will lead to FIRs being lodged against the owners as well as school management.”

The campaign extends beyond Lucknow. In Barabanki district, 1,089 school vehicles are currently registered, yet 151 owners have not renewed their fitness certificates despite repeated reminders. The Assistant Regional Transport Office (ARTO) there has warned of tough action, including penalties and possible legal steps, especially for vehicles whose registrations have been suspended but are still being used.

No Room for Negligence, Say Officials

Officials reiterated that children’s safety is non-negotiable. Along with fitness certifications, school vehicles must meet mandatory safety standards—these include having proper school branding, yellow paint, sturdy window grills, secure door locks, fire extinguishers, first-aid kits, CCTV cameras, GPS tracking, and police-verified drivers. A school attendant must also be present during every trip.

Parents have been urged to personally verify that the school transportation used by their children adheres to all safety norms.