Pimpri Chinchwad RTO inspects buses for safety compliance

The regional transport office in Pimpri Chinchwad has started a new inspection drive to check vehicle safety. This initiative began after a minibus fire in Hinjewadi that killed four people and injured ten. The RTO plans to focus on company-operated and private buses. Inspection teams will look for important safety features. These include working emergency exits and functioning fire extinguishers. Sandesh Chavan, the regional transport officer, mentioned that they will hold a meeting with bus owners soon to discuss safety measures. The program will also have an awareness campaign for commuters about emergency procedures. In Pune, a similar inspection drive is being planned. Officials will check if buses are equipped with fire extinguishers and if emergency exits are blocked. Many buses have issues with blocked exits, which is a serious concern. Archana Gaikwad from the Pune RTO announced upcoming fire safety workshops for private bus operators. These sessions will cover fire causes and emergency responses. They will involve practical training with the fire brigade. Citizens are worried about the lack of safety awareness among bus operators and passengers. Some have called for more fire safety drills for company buses, similar to those done in office buildings. A local resident expressed concern that if a fire had occurred on a school bus, the consequences could have been tragic. Currently, there are about 28,000 to 30,000 private buses operating in Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad.