The Regional Transport Office (RTO) has uncovered serious violations linked to the bus involved in Tuesday’s accident near Nagpur. Investigations revealed the bus was operating without a valid permit, a Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate, and with unpaid road tax. Adding to the violations, the bus was carrying more passengers than its permitted capacity.
The accident occurred around 9 a.m., involving a bus (registration number MH 40 Y 7350) owned by Vaibhav Kakade. It was transporting 54 students, a teacher, and two assistants from Saraswati Vidyalaya for a field trip, despite its seating capacity being limited to 49 passengers.
Nagpur Rural RTO Vijay Chavan immediately dispatched an air squad to the site after receiving the report. Chavan confirmed that while the bus had a speed governor installed, it lacked essential documents, including a valid permit, road tax receipt, and a PUC certificate. Its fitness certificate is also set to expire on December 5.
Shockingly, within hours of the accident, the bus owner attempted to secure an online permit around 12:15 p.m., but alert RTO officials blocked the attempt. “The vigilance of the department ensured the attempt failed,” Chavan stated.
The RTO has emphasized the need for stricter enforcement of regulations to prevent such lapses, particularly when it comes to student transport vehicles.