The Union ministry of road transport and highways has made it mandatory to install Fire Alarm and Protection System (FAPS) to school buses and vans carrying students effective from October 1.
The Central Government has applied this rule all over the country for the security point of view of school students. The companies manufacturing the buses and vans have to fix this system while in production.
Previously, as per rule it was compulsory to fix fire alarms and fire security machinery at engine cabins of the vehicles. However, now it is compulsory to install this system while manufacturing buses (type 3) and school buses.
A study done on fire incidents in buses revealed that the passengers sustained injuries because of smoke and fire in the vehicle. No ad- ditional time for taking pas- sengers out of the bus on fire. This machinery will be able to check smoke in order to get that time to shift passengers out.
Meanwhile, ss per the provision in Maharashtra Motor Vehicle Rules, 1989, 1988, and 2021, the commissioner of police has been given the right to take suitable action against accommodating students than the capacity in auto rickshaw, school bus or van and other violations. However, it is observed that they are not being followed.