Udupi: Court Order Triggers 203 School Vehicle Cases

A directive from Union Transport Minister Uttam Khader has triggered a massive crackdown on school buses operating in Udupi district, Karnataka. According to the Udupi Police, 203 cases have been booked against owners and drivers for violating safety and licensing norms.

School buses in Karnataka have repeatedly been found operating without proper registration, inadequate safety gear, or with overloaded passengers. The Ministry of Transport had laid down guidelines last year for commercial school transport. This directive follows numerous accidents and fatalities that sparked public outcry over child safety.

The crackdown is expected to curb negligent practices and improve child safety, but critics warn that stricter enforcement could also disrupt transportation for students in remote areas. The police say they will continue audits and fine violations, including claims of substandard vehicles, expired permits, and parking rule breaches. Source: Google News – Udupi.