CCTV Mandatory in School Buses; RTO to Keep a Close Watch

The Pune Regional Transport Office (RTO) has directed all schools in the district to update complete information regarding their school buses on the government portal by June 20, 2026. Particular focus is being placed on whether CCTV cameras have been installed in the buses and if they are functioning correctly. Once the deadline expires, a special RTO inspection team will conduct on-ground verification to check if the actual condition of the buses matches the information submitted on the portal.

The Pune RTO stated that this step has been taken in agreement with the Maharashtra School Bus Rules, 2011, and the decisions of the District School Bus Safety Committee. The government aims to ensure that prescribed safety regulations are actually being followed in school buses. Particular emphasis is being placed on verifying the presence and functionality of CCTV cameras.

School administrations and transport agencies are required to log in to a specified portal and submit several key details. These include the total number of buses (whether owned or contracted), whether each bus is equipped with CCTV cameras, the operational status of those cameras, and other essential safety-related information. The RTO has recently updated the portal to facilitate the collection of more detailed safety data.

Following the deadline of June 20, special RTO inspection teams will conduct on-site inspections of various school buses.

They will verify whether the information submitted on the portal is accurate, confirm that CCTV cameras have actually been installed and are operational, and check if other safety regulations are being adhered to. If any difference in the information is detected or evidence of safety violations is found, legal action may be taken against the concerned school or transport agency.

Every school bus driver must have a valid driving license and a transport badge. Police verification for both the driver and the conductor is mandatory, and a female attendant must be present on every bus. The objective of these regulations is to ensure the safety of children and provide prompt assistance during emergencies.

Another important rule has come into effect for school buses manufactured after October 1, 2023. These buses must be equipped with effective fire alarms and fire protection systems. This will help reduce the risk of fire-related accidents and enable the issuance of prompt warnings.

According to RTO officials, CCTV cameras play a crucial role in ensuring the safety of school buses. The presence of CCTV allows for the monitoring of activities inside the bus, facilitates the investigation of complaints or incidents, enhances student safety, and boosts parental confidence. For this reason, special scrutiny is now being applied to information regarding CCTV systems.

I am writing about this matter because the safety of children commuting by school bus has become a major concern for parents. With the increasing use of technology, CCTV cameras serve not only for surveillance but also as crucial evidence in the event of accidents or incidents. Therefore, it is important to understand why this initiative by the RTO is significant in making school transportation systems safer and more responsible.