Serious concerns have been raised over the safety of students commuting in an overcrowded Bal Rath bus operated by Smt. Chandrabhaga Tukoba Naik High School in Curchorem. Designed to carry 40–42 students, the bus is reportedly crammed with over 100 students on a daily basis.
Due to the extreme overcrowding, many children are seen standing precariously close to the doors, with some even standing on the footboard while the bus is in motion — posing a grave risk to their lives. The situation is further worsened by the poor condition of local roads, riddled with potholes. A sudden jerk or swerve could result in a child falling from the moving vehicle.
This case highlights not just overcrowding, but also apparent negligence by the school authorities. Despite the evident danger, the school management has yet to take corrective action, putting hundreds of young lives at risk every day.
Residents and concerned parents are urging the school to either arrange for an additional bus or at least operate multiple trips to ensure student safety. They have also called on local authorities to inspect and take immediate action against such unsafe transport practices before a tragedy occurs.
The issue underlines the urgent need for proper regulation and enforcement of school transport safety norms, especially when children's lives are at stake.