Mumbai : In a major move to enhance student safety and regulate unauthorized transport, the Maharashtra Government has decided to formally recognize and regulate small school vans carrying up to 12 children.
With over 1 lakh unregistered vans currently ferrying students, the Transport Department has redefined school transportation rules—vehicles with over 13 passengers will now be termed school buses, while those with 12 or fewer will be categorized as school vans.
The new policy mandates that these vans follow strict safety protocols, including aluminum mesh windows, first-aid kits, and adherence to seating limits. They will also sport a distinctive color code to signal their exclusive use for student transport.
While authorities aim to reduce traffic congestion and provide safer, doorstep transport for students, industry representatives have raised legal concerns. Anil Garg of the School Bus Owners Association warned that the move could be challenged in court, and might unintentionally increase the number of small vehicles on the road—contrary to the government’s goal of streamlining public transport.
The policy comes in the wake of past court rulings, including a Bombay High Court ban on soft-top autos for school transport and a reassessment of van legality following changes to national motor vehicle rules in 2019.
