The Transport Department has decided to prosecute the Vidyalaya Public School management and bus driver K.V. Rama Rao in the court after 15 students from the school were injured when the school bus in which they were travelling overturned at Puttagunta, Gudivada on June 22.
“It is clear violation of rules. Around 42 children were being transported despite the seating capacity of the vehicle being 24. This apart, though the bus driver holds a valid licence, he is above 60 years. According to rules, any person above 60 years should not drive a school bus,” said Deputy Transport Commissioner S. Venkateswara Rao.
“After sending a report to the higher authorities, we will file a charge-sheet and prosecute the school management and the driver in court, which will decide the quantum of punishment,” said Mr. Rao.
‘Roads need minor repairs’
Meanwhile, the Transport Department in Krishna district has written to the Roads and Buildings Department to take up minor repairs on a few road stretches, especially on the canal routes where school bus traffic is high.
“The road margins on some routes are haphazard and it can be risky for drivers. These roads are battered and turn slippery and there is a need to take up minor repairs,” Mr. Rao pointed out.
He said at a few places on these routes, the canals were 5 to 10 feet deep and drivers had to be extremely cautious while driving on such routes. He asked the school managements to keep a check on the buses and urged parents to travel in them in shifts as it would keep the drivers alert.
We will file a charge-sheet in the court, which will decide the quantum of punishment
S. Venkateswara Rao
Deputy Transport Commissioner
