The School Transport Policy Review initiated in 2025 introduces a wide range of reforms to improve the safety, regulation, and accountability of school transport services across India. Spearheaded by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) in coordination with the Ministry of Education, this policy aims to standardize operational guidelines for school buses and private transport contractors nationwide.
With the rising number of incidents involving school buses and growing concerns among parents, the school policy 2025 puts safety, monitoring, and training at the core of the system. The updated rules apply to both public and private schools, ensuring that every student has access to safe and compliant transportation.
Key Changes Introduced in the 2025 Policy Update
The School Transport Policy Review outlines mandatory upgrades in vehicle condition, personnel behavior, and contract structure. Major reforms include:
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Compulsory installation of GPS tracking and CCTV cameras in all school buses
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School buses must now undergo fitness tests twice a year
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Mandatory presence of a trained female attendant on every bus
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Driver training certification to be renewed every 2 years
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Contracts with transport vendors must include strict liability clauses
Under the new school policy 2025, school principals and transport coordinators are held jointly responsible for ensuring compliance.
Impact on Private Transport Contractors and Schools
The revised School Transport Policy Review has introduced higher operational standards, which are reshaping how schools and private contractors function. Key effects of the policy include:
| Affected Area | Policy Impact |
|---|---|
| Private Bus Operators | Must comply with surveillance, training, and licensing |
| Schools | Required to maintain transport audit reports |
| Parent Engagement | Regular feedback systems made mandatory |
| Contract Transparency | Digitally signed contracts now standard |
| Penalties | ₹25,000–₹1 lakh for non-compliance |
As part of the India safety push, contractors are now required to register with local transport authorities and present monthly compliance data.
States Leading in Implementation of the New Rules
Several Indian states have already begun enforcing the school policy 2025 updates, showing notable improvements in school transport operations. Top-performing states include:
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Delhi – 100% GPS compliance achieved by April 2025
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Kerala – Initiated online dashboard for real-time route monitoring
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Maharashtra – Conducted safety workshops for over 10,000 drivers
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Tamil Nadu – Integrated bus tracking with school mobile apps
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Punjab – Mandated psychometric testing for school drivers
This structured rollout is a direct result of the School Transport Policy Review demanding state-level reporting and transparency.
Benefits for Parents, Students, and Transport Staff
The school policy 2025 brings measurable advantages across the education ecosystem:
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Improved safety and punctuality in daily school commutes
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Greater trust between parents and schools through transparent tracking
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Increased employment for trained female staff in school transport
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Reduced operational loopholes in contracts with transport vendors
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Continuous driver education under the new India safety framework
With rising public awareness, parents are now actively reviewing school compliance and demanding adherence to the updated guidelines.
FAQs
What is the School Transport Policy Review in 2025?
The School Transport Policy Review is a nationwide reform of school transportation norms introduced in 2025, focusing on safety, transparency, and accountability.
Who does the school policy 2025 apply to?
The school policy 2025 applies to all public and private schools, as well as third-party contractors operating school transport vehicles.
Are schools responsible for private transport compliance?
Yes, under the new policy, schools are jointly responsible for ensuring that India safety norms are met, even by outsourced transport providers.
What new safety features are mandatory on school buses?
As part of the School Transport Policy Review, GPS tracking, CCTV, fire extinguishers, and trained attendants are now required on all school buses.
What happens if a school or contractor fails to comply?
Non-compliance with the school policy 2025 can lead to fines ranging from ₹25,000 to ₹1,00,000 and potential suspension of transport operations.
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