Maharashtra to approve only 12-seater school vans with advanced safety features

Sarnaik cited the new school van code AIS 204, based on the School Bus Code (Automotive Industry Standards, AIS-063), that has been developed by the Central Government.

He said that the new vans should adhere to the updated standards and have a seating capacity of 12+1 (12 passengers and driver). They will include advanced safety features such as driver identification cards, emergency exits, clear vehicle access points, storage racks, seat layout requirements, fire alarm systems, and vehicle tracking.

Sarnaik stated that only who opt for these new vans will be given licenses for transportation of school children.
“The top priority is the safe transportation of students. Approving school vans will not only ensure safety but also create employment opportunities for the unemployed. Those starting student transportation services using new school vans will be granted permits by the state government. Maharashtra will be the first state in the country to run school vans with advanced safety features,” Sarnaik said.

The transport department had been issuing school van permits until 2018, but the process was halted after petitions were filed in court claiming that school vans were unsafe for student transportation.

Now, in accordance with central standards, the state government has prepared its own code and issued guidelines to restart school van operations. This policy decision will soon be formalised through a government notification, said Sarnaik.

The minister mentioned that vans have several safety benefits compared to rickshaws, such as covered doors, a lower chance of overturning because of four-wheel stability, and ample space for school bags, water bottles, and other items.

“Compared to rickshaws, vans are a safer and more structured method of transport,” he added.

He said that the future notification will specify the policy guideline for granting the new permits.

“The state government hopes that the initiative will not only cut dependence on unauthorised transport but also enhance the safety scenario for thousands of school-going children in Maharashtra,” Sarnaik added.

The move, however, has not gone down well with school bus owners, who have stated that it will lead to a proliferation of school vans, adding more congestion on the roads.

“Asking people to opt for 12 seaters will lead to a proliferation of school vans on the roads. It will take around seven such vans to replace one large school bus,” Anil Garg, representing the School Bus Owners’ Association, Mumbai, said.

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