Gurugram school buses barred from waterlogged routes until September 30

After 14 school buses were stuck for hours on flooded Gurugram roads, the district administration has directed schools and traffic agencies to change how children travel during heavy rain.

Traffic police will issue school-route updates at 5.30am, 10.30am and 12.30pm on days with an IMD weather alert or rain in the preceding 12 hours. The updates will mark stretches as clear, slow-moving or waterlogged and to be avoided. Police will send flash alerts after heavy rain or a blockage.

Every school must name a transport in-charge and share route or timing changes with parents through SMS or school apps. Buses cannot take waterlogged routes. If there is no safe alternative, students must remain on campus under supervision and parents must be informed. Schools must not drop children at unsafe stops.

The protocol also requires a staff escort and drinking water on every bus. Haryana Roadways has been asked to keep all-weather buses ready at designated locations to shift children from stranded vehicles. Traffic police can seek pumps, cranes and barricades from GMDA or MCG.

The directions are in force until September 30 or until further orders.