The Motor Vehicle Department (MVD) has completed the condition inspection of 140 buses from educational institutions in Kozhikode district ahead of the reopening of schools. Only vehicles deemed suitable during the MVD check will be authorized to operate the pick-up service during the new academic year.

Of the vehicles checked, 100 are within the boundaries of the Kozhikode regional transport office and 40 under the Vadakara regional transport office. Those who did not show up with the vehicles for inspection will have another opportunity on Monday.

According to MVD officials, 60 vehicles presented for inspection in various rural areas on Saturday were found to be unfit for operation. Relevant departments have been asked to resubmit these vehicles for inspection after proper maintenance, they said.

Due to the pandemic-induced financial crisis and months of idling, the majority of school buses in Kozhikode District remain off the road. The departments concerned must still give the green signal for the maintenance of these vehicles and obtain certificates of fitness to resume operation.

“So far, we have only inspected less than 50% of the total vehicles of educational institutions in Kozhikode district. Many are still hesitant to spend money given the uncertainty surrounding an academic year in full amid the fear of the pandemic,” a senior MVD officer said.