MVD Pulwama Conducts Safety Audit of School Transport

PULWAMA May 10:Acting on the specific directives of the Worthy Secretary Transport and Transport Commissioner of Jammu and Kashmir, the Enforcement Squad of the Assistant Regional Transport Office (ARTO) Pulwama, the other day, carried out safety audit and inspection at Birla Open Minds International School in Pampore. The initiative was aimed to ensure the highest standards of safety for students commuting via school transport across the district.

During the exercise, officials physically inspected a fleet of 74 school vehicles to verify the functional installation of mandatory safety equipment, including CCTV cameras, Vehicle Location Tracking Devices (VLTD), Speed Limiting Devices (SLD), and emergency panic buttons. In addition to technical inspections, the team conducted a meticulous review of all vehicle documentation and driver licenses. The audit concluded that the school’s transport fleet is currently operating in full compliance with the prescribed norms of the Motor Vehicle Rules, with all documentation found to be up to date.

During the visit, officials imparted essential road safety awareness to school bus drivers and conductors. The session emphasized the fundamental importance of safe driving practices and strict adherence to traffic regulations to safeguard the lives of school children.

Highlighting a commitment to civic responsibility, all participating drivers and officials took a formal Road Safety Pledge. Furthermore, as part of the Nasha Mukti Bharat Abhiyaan, transport staff were educated on the grave dangers of drug addiction and the necessity of maintaining a drug-free environment within the transport sector.

The Enforcement Squad laid nakas on various routes at Awantipora and Pampore to curb general traffic violations. During this intensified enforcement drive, more than 120 vehicles were intercepted and checked. The operation resulted in the issuance of e-challans to 31 vehicles for various offenses under the Motor Vehicle Act, with the total expected fine realization amounting to Rs 68,800. These measures underscore the department’s ongoing commitment to enhancing road discipline and ensuring public safety throughout the region.

Motor Vehicle Inspectors Rahil Anjum and Ashutosh Raina along with other officials of MVD Pulwama carried the drive.