Odisha Tightens Fire Safety Norms for School Buses

The State Transport Authority, Odisha, has mandated strict enforcement of fire safety regulations for school buses. Regional transport officers have been instructed to ensure compliance. This includes necessary fire detection and suppression systems. Violations will lead to legal actions, emphasizing a zero-tolerance policy for student safety.

The State Transport Authority in Odisha has mandated rigorous enforcement of fire safety regulations for school buses, instructing regional transport officers (RTOs) to ensure adherence.

Transport commissioner Amitabh Thakur issued a circular to all RTOs detailing these requirements, highlighting the necessity of fire detection alarm systems, suppression systems, and alarm protection systems in school buses to prevent and manage fire incidents, thus ensuring student safety.

Compliance with the Central Motor Vehicle Act, 1989, is non-negotiable for all school buses. To solidify this directive, the State Transport Authority plans to expand these measures through strict monitoring. Zonal deputy transport commissioners and RTOs are tasked with regular inspections, and any school bus found non-compliant will face legal repercussions, Thakur warned. Motor vehicle inspectors will also ensure regional compliance, potentially canceling fitness certificates for buses that fail to meet safety standards.

Thakur emphasized a zero-tolerance policy towards negligence in student safety.

(With inputs from agencies.)