Hyderabad Traffic Police arrested five school bus drivers for driving under the influence of alcohol during a special drive. Police inspected 324 school buses across 34 locations, including Jubilee Hills, Banjara Hills, Panjagutta, Begumpet, SR Nagar, and Marredpally. Cases were filed against the drivers, who were later produced in court. The buses were seized, and school authorities were instructed not to employ those drivers again.

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Deputy Commissioner of Police, Traffic-I, Hyderabad, Rahul Hegde B.K. said that school managements must be aware of the Supreme Court guidelines issued in W.P. (Civil) 1309 of 1985, outlining the necessary measures for safely transporting school children between their homes and schools.

"There must be an appropriate permit for the vehicle issued by a competent authority as a 'Passenger Transport Vehicle'. No such vehicle shall carry children in excess of its permitted seating capacity. The school name and telephone number must be displayed," he said, according to the TOI report. 

Police officials stated that whenever a contract carriage is used to transport school children, the vehicle owner must notify the local police station or the DCP/SP Traffic of the district, providing the driver’s name and the vehicle’s details.

School managements were also instructed to ensure that an attendant is present in every vehicle. Additionally, police emphasised that the phrase 'On School Duty' must be permanently displayed on all school vans and buses.

Rahul Hegde further said that vehicles must be equipped with a first-aid kit, drinking water, and clearly display the school’s name along with a contact number.

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Drivers transporting schoolchildren should have a minimum of five years’ experience and a clean traffic record. Additionally, an attendant must be present in every vehicle to assist with the safe boarding and disembarking of children.