Kalaburagi: In a determined effort to ensure the safety of schoolchildren, Kalaburagi city police have launched a strict enforcement drive targeting overloaded autorickshaws ferrying students during peak school hours.

City Police Commissioner Sharanappa S D stated that many autorickshaw drivers were found carrying children beyond the allowed capacity, especially during morning drop-offs and afternoon pickups—posing serious safety risks.

To tackle this, traffic enforcement teams were deployed near schools during crucial hours. As part of the special drive, Traffic Police Station-1 registered 19 cases, collecting ₹8,400 in fines, while Traffic Police Station-2 penalised 21 vehicles, collecting ₹1,500. In total, 42 violations were recorded involving 40 autorickshaws and 2 school vans, with a combined fine of ₹9,900, under the Indian Motor Vehicle Act.

Police have issued clear guidelines:

  • Autorickshaws must not exceed seating capacity.

  • All school transport must carry a first-aid kit and display emergency contact numbers.

  • Schools must maintain a registry of authorised transport vehicles.

    • Parents have been urged to ensure children only use approved vehicles, while awareness sessions are being held for drivers on safety norms. A helpline has also been launched for citizens to report violators.

    DCP Praveen H Naik has directed continuous monitoring near schools and collaboration with school management committees to create a verified transport database.

    The campaign will run throughout the academic year, aiming to build a safer commute environment for students.