Over 1,100 school buses in Odisha operating without valid fitness certificates

In a concerning development, as many as 1,171 buses transporting school and college students across Odisha are reportedly operating without valid fitness certificates, raising serious questions about student safety and regulatory enforcement.

According to official data, nearly 4,045 buses are currently engaged in ferrying students to and from educational institutions across the state. However, a significant number of these vehicles have allegedly failed to obtain or renew the mandatory fitness certificates required to ensure roadworthiness and compliance with prescribed safety standards.

The situation is particularly alarming in the state capital, where at least 17 school buses are said to be operating without valid fitness documents. The revelation has sparked anxiety among parents and guardians, many of whom fear that administrative negligence and lack of strict monitoring could result in serious accidents.

Also Read: Odisha govt warns of RC cancellation for vehicles without valid PUCC, fitness certificates

Commissionerate Police in Cuttack-Bhubaneswar have stressed the urgent need for immediate enforcement drives, comprehensive inspections, and strict penalties against non-compliant vehicle owners. They have warned that allowing unfit vehicles to ply on roads, especially those carrying children, poses a grave risk.

Meanwhile, Transport Minister Bibhuti Bhushan Jena has stated that stringent action will be taken against violators. He warned that the Registration Certificates (RC) of vehicles may be cancelled if they fail to possess valid Pollution Under Control Certificates (PUCC) and fitness documents.