Odisha STA mandates fire safety compliance for all school buses

Bhubaneswar, July 21: In a bid to enhance student safety, the State Transport Authority (STA) of Odisha issued a directive to all educational institutions on Sunday, mandating adherence to fire safety regulations.

Under Section 125C of the Central Motor Vehicle Rules (CMVR), 1989, it is required that all school buses be equipped with a Fire Detection Alarm System (FDAS), Fire Detection and Suppression System (FDSS), and Fire Alarm Protection System (FAPS). These systems are essential for preventing and managing fire incidents, ensuring the safety of students traveling by bus.

Compliance with fire safety standards as per AIS 135 under Rule 125C of the Central Motor Vehicle Act, 1989, is mandatory for all school buses.

Transport Commissioner Amitabh Thakur has instructed all Regional Transport Officers (RTOs) to take stringent action against those who fail to meet these regulations.

To ensure proper implementation, the State Transport Authority will expand the scope of these measures. Zonal Deputy Transport Commissioners and Regional Transport Officers will conduct regular inspections of school buses, and any buses found non-compliant will face legal consequences.

Motor vehicle inspectors have also been tasked with ensuring regional compliance and revoking the fitness certificates of non-compliant buses.

The Transport Commissioner emphasized that no negligence will be tolerated regarding the safety of young students. A zero-tolerance policy is being enforced, and strict monitoring will be conducted to ensure school buses meet fire safety standards.