Maharashtra To Reopen School Van Permits With Modern Safety Features

The State Transport Department is reopening the issuance of school van permits. An official notification regarding this policy will be released soon.

However, the School Bus Owners’ Association is not happy with this move.

"Maharashtra is set to become the first state in India to roll out officially authorized school vans equipped with modern safety features and amenities," stated Sarnaik, adding that the initiative aims to ensure the safe transportation of school children while also generating employment opportunities for the youth.

According to Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik, during a recent meeting organized by the State Transport Department with parent groups and school bus associations, concerns were raised about the increasing use of unauthorized vehicles for student transport. In response, the state government has aligned with the Automotive Industry Standards (AIS) guidelines issued by the Central Government—specifically AIS-204, which defines safety and operational standards for school vans.

When contacted, Anil Garg, Chairman of the School Bus Owners’ Association, told FPJ, "The recent circular from Transport Minister Sarnaik says that he had a meeting with parents, bus operators, and the owners’ association. Only one school principal had come; no parents were present at all. Why should he lie?"

“Yes, the School Bus Association was present, but we were against the vans. This is all done in the interest of corruption—nothing else. There is a big hand-in-hand deal with the van manufacturers. We will go on strike and protest against this new circular. We will give the government 15 days to withdraw it, or else face the consequences,” Garg further added.

Until 2018, the Transport Department was issuing permits for school vans. However, concerns over student safety led to court petitions and a subsequent halt in issuing such permits. Now, after updating its policy in accordance with central norms, the state government is reintroducing school van licenses with clear safety standards.

Minister Sarnaik emphasized that while auto-rickshaws have become a stopgap solution for many, they often lack adequate safety. In contrast, school vans offer enclosed doors, greater stability due to four wheels, and dedicated space for school bags and water bottles.

As per the new policy, four-wheeled vehicles with up to 12+1 seating capacity can be granted the status of a school van. These vehicles must comply with BS-VI emission norms and include a range of mandatory safety features.

These include a driver identification badge to ensure accountability and passenger safety. Emergency exits and clearly marked entry points are provided for quick and efficient evacuation if needed. An optimized seat layout is designed to maximize passenger comfort and space utilization. A fire alarm system is installed to alert passengers and the driver in case of fire hazards. Additionally, vehicle tracking technology (GPS) is used to monitor the vehicle's location in real time, enhancing operational efficiency and security.

Apart from that, vans must be fitted with storage racks, CCTV cameras, dashboard screens, speed governors (capped at 40 kmph), panic buttons, and child-friendly steps for easy entry. If the vehicle door is left open, an alert system will activate. The name of the school must also be prominently displayed on the van's roof.

"Ensuring the safety of school children is our top priority," said Sarnaik. "By approving the operation of school vans, we aim not only to improve transport safety but also to create self-employment opportunities for the youth of Maharashtra. With these state-of-the-art vans, Maharashtra is poised to lead the nation in safe school transportation."