Bhubaneswar: The State Transport Authority (STA) of Odisha has issued a stringent directive to ensure all school buses comply with fire safety regulations as stipulated by Section 125C of the Central Motor Vehicle Rules (CMVR) 1989. This move aims to safeguard the well-being of students commuting by bus.
The directive, issued by Sri Amitabh Thakur, Transport Commissioner, mandates all Regional Transport Officers (RTOs) to enforce compliance rigorously. School buses are now required to be equipped with a Fire Detection Alarm System (FDAS), Fire Detection Suppression System (FDSS), and Fire Alarm Protection System (FAPS). These systems are essential for preventing and managing fire incidents effectively.
Compliance with these fire safety measures, as outlined in AIS 135 under Rule 125C of the Central Motor Vehicle Act, 1989, is mandatory for all school buses. To ensure adherence, the STA has broadened the scope of these measures and implemented strict monitoring protocols. Zonal Deputy Transport Commissioners and RTOs will conduct regular inspections of school buses to verify their fire safety arrangements.
Sri Thakur has emphasized that any school bus found in violation of these regulations will face severe legal consequences. Motor vehicle inspectors have been instructed to ensure compliance within their respective regions and to cancel the fitness certificates of non-compliant buses.
The Transport Commissioner underscored the importance of student safety and declared a zero-tolerance policy towards any negligence. “No negligence will be tolerated regarding the safety of young students,” he stated, highlighting the commitment of the STA to maintaining high safety standards in school transportation.
This directive aims to enhance the safety measures in place for school buses, ensuring that all necessary precautions are taken to protect students from potential fire hazards.
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