Traffic Police to Phase Out Unsafe School Vans in Srinagar and Jammu Amid Rising Safety Concerns
||Black and White Digital News ||
||Parvinder Singh April 23,2026 ||
Crackdown intensifies on overloading and unfit vehicles; authorities promise safer alternatives for students
Srinagar||Jammu :
In a decisive move to enhance road safety and reduce congestion, the Traffic Police in Srinagar and Jammu have announced a phased plan to discontinue the operation of school vans ferrying students, citing widespread violations and increasing risks to children.
Senior officials stated that a significant number of these vans are operating in violation of provisions laid down under the Motor Vehicles Act, including the absence of valid permits, expired fitness certificates, and lack of pollution compliance. These violations, officials said, not only contribute to traffic congestion but also pose a serious threat to the safety of schoolchildren.
Authorities revealed that overloading has emerged as one of the most pressing concerns. Many van operators have allegedly modified seating capacities to accommodate more students than permitted, resulting in children being transported in overcrowded and unsafe conditions. Officials warned that such practices drastically increase the likelihood of injuries in case of accidents.
The Traffic Police have already begun intensifying enforcement measures, with several vehicles seized during recent drives for non-compliance. Officials indicated that stricter checks and sustained action will continue across both cities to curb illegal operations and ensure adherence to safety norms.
The Transport Department has also stepped up its efforts by issuing notices to vehicle owners with multiple pending challans and those operating without proper documentation. Several buses, matadors, and commercial vehicles have been blacklisted for repeated violations, particularly those lacking valid fitness certificates, route permits, and pollution clearances.
Officials emphasized that the issue extends beyond vans, as school buses have also been found operating without fulfilling mandatory safety requirements. They described such negligence as a major risk to student safety and warned that strict action will be taken against all violators without exception.
While acknowledging gaps in enforcement in the past, authorities assured that robust monitoring mechanisms are now being implemented to prevent unauthorized vehicles from operating. They stressed that ensuring the safety of schoolchildren remains a top priority.
Parents and school administrations have also been urged to play a proactive role by verifying the credentials of transport providers and avoiding vehicles that are overcrowded or lack proper authorization. Officials noted that public cooperation is essential in addressing the issue effectively.
Civil society members have echoed similar concerns, calling for consistent enforcement and stringent penalties to deter violators. They emphasized that no vehicle without proper documentation or safety compliance should be allowed to transport children under any circumstances.
Authorities said the phase-out process will be carried out gradually to avoid inconvenience, with plans underway to introduce safer and more regulated transportation alternatives. The initiative is expected to significantly improve road safety standards while also helping ease traffic congestion in Srinagar and Jammu.
The move marks a significant step toward ensuring accountability among transport operators and safeguarding the lives of school-going children across the region.
Office of LG, J&K
Omar Abdullah
Deputy CM Surinder choudhary
Sunil Sharma
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