**<a href="/category/bhandara" class="text-brand font-semibold hover:underline">Bhandara</a>:** Concerned over the safety of school students travelling in potentially dangerous and unauthorized vehicles, the Regional Transport Office (RTO), Bhandara, conducted a special inspection drive at various locations across the city. The drive focused on vehicles being used to transport school students without following mandatory safety and transport regulations.
During the inspection, action was taken against **20 school vehicles** for various violations. The vehicles were found to have issues including expired permits and operation without valid permits. A total of **₹2,47,300 was collected as a compounding fee/fine** from the violators.
The transport department has stated that the drive was conducted with the safety of school students as a priority. Officials warned that strict action will continue against school vehicles that fail to comply with prescribed rules and safety standards.
Parents and school authorities have also been urged to ensure that vehicles transporting students have valid permits and comply with all required safety regulations.
The inspection drive was carried out under the guidance of the **Regional Transport Officer (Rural), Nagpur**, with the assistance of the **Assistant Regional Transport Officer, Bhandara**. Motor Vehicle Inspectors **Sagar Saraf, Ritesh Chavhan, Gulunkumar Chavare and M. M. Karid** participated in the operation.
The transport department has indicated that similar inspections may continue in the coming days to ensure safer transportation for school-going students across Bhandara.