Gurugram implements new school bus safety rules after monsoon flooding

Following heavy monsoon rains that left several school buses stranded with children for hours, Gurugram authorities have implemented new safety guidelines for student transportation. The measures were introduced by District Magistrate and District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) chairperson Uttam Singh to mitigate risks caused by widespread waterlogging and traffic disruptions.

Under the new protocols, Gurugram Traffic Police will provide daily reports classifying bus routes as clear, slow-moving, or waterlogged. Updates will be issued at 5:30 am, 10:30 am, and 12:30 pm on days with rainfall or weather alerts, with flash updates provided within 30 minutes of sudden flooding. Schools are strictly directed to avoid waterlogged routes and use alternative paths. If no safe route exists, students must remain on school premises under staff supervision until parents can be reached.

To facilitate communication, the District Education Officer will manage a dedicated WhatsApp broadcast and SMS/email database for school heads and transport in-charges. Additionally, schools must appoint a Transport In-charge or Route Safety Officer, and children may not be dropped off at unattended or flooded bus stops; they must be handed directly to an authorized guardian.