Ahead of the reopening of schools in Telangana, the Transport Department on Wednesday announced a special enforcement drive under which educational institution buses (EIBs) would be checked for valid documents.

According to the department, it is mandatory for EIBs to have valid fitness certificates. They should also comply with all prescribed safety norms before being allowed to operate.

The drive will focus on checking vehicles operating without fitness certificates, carrying students beyond the permitted seating capacity, and those not meeting safety standards. Buses will also be checked for pollution under control (PUC) certificates and insurance documents as well.

The department said checks would additionally cover the availability of first aid boxes, fire extinguishers and emergency exits, along with the condition of brakes, tyres, lights and other mechanical components. Authorities would also verify whether attendants had been appointed in vehicles to ensure student safety.

The department warned that vehicles would be seized if found operating without valid fitness certification or carrying more students than prescribed. Cases would be booked against vehicle owners, drivers and management of the educational institutions under provisions of the Motor Vehicles Act.

The department has underscored that the responsibility for vehicle maintenance and safety norms compliance rests with school and college management. Parents were also urged not to send children in overloaded vehicles and to verify the fitness and safety compliance of vehicles ferrying their children.