Live tracking, CCTV now must for school buses plying in Maha | Nagpur News

Nagpur: Parents of school-going children in Maharashtra will soon be able to monitor school bus journeys through live tracking and mobile-based updates, with the state notifying new rules mandating advanced safety and surveillance systems in all school buses and vans.The govt has notified the Maharashtra Motor Vehicles (School Bus) (First Amendment) Rules, 2026, which were published in the Government Gazette on July 16. Schools and transport operators have been given three months to comply with the new regulations, failing which action, including suspension or cancellation of permits, may be initiated.One of the key highlights of the amended rules is the mandatory installation of digital safety systems, including CCTV cameras, live vehicle tracking and mobile application-based updates for parents. Schools and transport operators will also have to preserve CCTV footage for at least 30 days, enabling authorities to review incidents whenever required.The rules further make it compulsory for all school buses and vans to be fitted with AIS-140 compliant Vehicle Location Tracking Devices (VLTDs) and panic buttons, allowing authorities and parents to monitor vehicle movement in real time while improving emergency response. Fire safety equipment and seat belts for every seat have also been made mandatory.Apart from tech-driven safety measures, the amendments introduce stricter norms for school transport operations. Drivers, female attendants and other staff must be appointed through written orders and undergo mandatory background verification.Schools will also have to maintain a daily attendance of students while boarding, alighting from buses. For every trip carrying pre-primary students and children up to Class V, a female attendant or designated staff will be compulsory. Special arrangements must also be made for students with disabilities, those with special needs.The amended rules also empower Regional Transport Authority (RTA) to determine school transport fares, while school transport committees will resolve complaints from parents.