Jammu & Kashmir Govt Sets Guidelines for School Transport: What Parents & Institutions Must Know

Updated On: March 19, 2025

In a significant move to enhance student safety, the Transport Commissioner of Jammu and Kashmir, Vishesh Paul Mahajan, has introduced strict safety regulations for all vehicles engaged in transporting students to schools and coaching institutes. As per the new directives, CCTV cameras must be installed in all school transport vehicles before March 31, 2025.

These guidelines apply to private buses, vans, taxis, and other vehicles ferrying students, ensuring they comply with government-mandated safety standards. The regulations focus on vehicle registration, speed limits, emergency preparedness, and capacity management to safeguard students.

Order copy of installation of cctv cameras in school buses jk government transport — Order copy of installation of cctv cameras in school buses by j&k government, transport department

New Safety Guidelines for School Transport Vehicles

To strengthen safety measures and monitor student travel, the following key regulations have been put in place:

1. Mandatory Installation of CCTV Cameras

All school transport vehicles must install CCTV cameras inside the vehicle to monitor student safety during transit.
The footage will help in identifying any misconduct or emergencies and will be used as evidence if required.

2. Legal Registration of Vehicles

All outsourced vehicles must be legally registered and comply with the official transport regulations.
Unregistered vehicles will not be permitted to ferry students under any circumstances.

3. Installation of Speed-Limiting Devices

Each school transport vehicle must be fitted with a speed-limiting device to prevent overspeeding.
The authorities have warned that tampering with these devices will result in strict penalties.

4. Clear Identification Markings

Every vehicle used for student transportation must be clearly marked with “School Bus/Van” in bold letters on both sides.
This helps in easy identification and prevents unauthorized vehicles from operating as school transport.

5. Emergency Preparedness Requirements

To ensure immediate response in case of emergencies, every school transport vehicle must be equipped with:

A first-aid kit for minor medical emergencies.
A fire extinguisher to handle any fire hazards.
Contact numbers of Police Control Room, SSP Traffic, and the concerned Regional Transport Officer (RTO) displayed prominently inside the vehicle.
The driver’s name and contact number must also be displayed for accountability.

Responsibilities of Schools, Parents, and Institutions

Apart from vehicle operators, the schools, parents, and educational institutions must ensure the following:

1. Compliance with Capacity Limits

Vehicles should not exceed their seating capacity to prevent overcrowding.
Overloading students poses serious safety risks and is strictly prohibited.

2. No Unauthorized Modifications

Vehicles must adhere to their original structure and should not have any unauthorized modifications.
Alterations that compromise safety, such as extra seating or tampering with speed regulators, are prohibited.

3. Regular Safety Audits

Schools should conduct regular inspections of school transport vehicles to ensure compliance.
Parents are encouraged to verify the safety measures of their child’s transport service.

Deadline and Consequences for Non-Compliance

The Transport Commissioner has set March 31, 2025, as the final deadline for all school transport vehicles to comply with these safety guidelines. Failure to comply will lead to strict legal action under the Motor Vehicles Department Act. Authorities have emphasized that there will be no exceptions to these rules, and violators will face fines, vehicle seizures, or license suspensions.

Circular jammu and kashmir transport commissioner vishesh mahajan today issued instructions/guidelines for buses/taxis or any other vehicle ferrying students outsourced by school/private institutions and parents. — Circular by jammu and kashmir govt, transport commissioner, instructions/guidelines for buses/taxis or any other vehicle ferrying students outsourced by school/private institutions and parents.

Why These Regulations Matter

The recent implementation of these safety guidelines highlights the government’s commitment to ensuring a secure and incident-free transportation system for students. With the rise in accidents and safety concerns in school transport, these measures will:
✔ Prevent overspeeding and reckless driving
✔ Reduce the risk of unauthorized personnel accessing school transport
✔ Improve emergency response in case of accidents
✔ Enhance parental confidence in student safety

Parents, school authorities, and vehicle operators must collaborate to implement these measures effectively. By doing so, Jammu and Kashmir can set a new standard in safe and secure student transportation.

For schools and transport providers, March 31, 2025, should not just be a deadline—it should be a commitment to ensuring every student’s safety on the road.