KARACHI (Web Desk) – The Sindh government has introduced stricter safety measures for school transportation, imposing a ban on CNG and LPG cylinders in school vans and directing private educational institutions to ensure full compliance with vehicle safety regulations.
The provincial education minister has issued written instructions to private schools, warning that negligence regarding the transportation of students will not be tolerated and that violations could result in action against the relevant school administrations.
Under the new directives, school vans are prohibited from using compressed natural gas (CNG) and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) cylinders. The restrictions are intended to reduce potential hazards associated with gas-powered school transport and improve the safety of children travelling between their homes and educational institutions.
The government has also prohibited unsafe refuelling practices, particularly supplying petrol to vehicle engines through bottles and cans.
Officials have described such practices as dangerous, emphasising that school transport operators must follow proper fuel-handling procedures to avoid incidents that could threaten passengers.
Strict restrictions on student capacity
The new instructions also address the problem of overcrowding in school vans, which can expose children to serious risks during daily journeys.
According to the directives, transport operators cannot accommodate more students than the approved seating capacity of their vehicles.
School administrations have also been instructed to ensure that children do not travel while standing on vehicle footboards.
The practice of allowing students to hang onto the sides of vehicles or stand outside designated passenger areas is also incompatible with the safety requirements outlined in the instructions.
These measures are intended to ensure that every child travelling in school transport has an appropriate seat and that vehicles are not operated beyond their authorised passenger capacity.
The directions place responsibility on private educational institutions to monitor the transport arrangements made by contractors and operators providing pick-and-drop services.
Fitness certificates made compulsory
Another important requirement concerns the fitness certification of school transport vehicles.
Under the new instructions, every vehicle used for school transportation must possess a valid fitness certificate issued by the Sindh government.
A copy of the certificate must also be kept inside the vehicle so that it can be presented to relevant authorities whenever required.
The requirement is intended to ensure that school transport vehicles meet the prescribed roadworthiness and safety standards before carrying students.
Vehicle fitness inspections are important for identifying mechanical problems and ensuring that essential components, including brakes, tyres, steering systems and other safety-related equipment, remain suitable for operation.
School administrations have been directed to ensure that vehicles operating under their arrangements fulfil the necessary certification requirements.
Transport operators are also expected to maintain their vehicles properly and address any deficiencies identified during inspections.
School administrations warned of action
The Sindh education minister has made it clear that responsibility for ensuring compliance will not rest solely with individual drivers or transport operators.
Private educational institutions have been instructed to enforce the safety requirements and ensure that vehicles associated with their schools follow the prescribed rules.
The department has warned that action will be taken against the relevant school administration if violations are found.
This places additional responsibility on school management to monitor transport contractors, verify vehicle documents and ensure that children are not exposed to unsafe travelling conditions.
Schools will need to pay particular attention to seating arrangements, fuel systems, vehicle fitness and the general condition of their transport fleets.
Parents encouraged to remain vigilant
The latest directions have also highlighted the importance of parental awareness regarding the safety of school transportation.
Parents are encouraged to ensure that children travel in properly maintained vehicles with adequate seating arrangements and that drivers follow the prescribed safety requirements.
They should also raise concerns with school administrations if they observe overcrowding, unsafe refuelling practices or vehicles operating without the required documentation.
School transport plays an important role in helping children reach educational institutions, particularly in urban areas where families depend on private vans and contracted pick-and-drop services.
However, convenience should not come at the expense of children’s safety.
Student protection declared a priority
The Sindh government has reiterated that the protection of students remains a primary responsibility of educational institutions and transport operators.
The latest instructions seek to establish greater accountability for those providing transportation services and ensure that safety standards are followed during everyday school journeys.
The measures also underline the need for regular vehicle inspections, proper documentation and responsible driving practices.
Authorities have made it clear that school administrations must take the instructions seriously and ensure that transport arrangements comply with the prescribed requirements.
The government has emphasised that students’ lives and safety will not be compromised and that institutions failing to follow the directives may face administrative or legal action.
