School Commutes in J&K: A Daily Gamble for Young Lives

Abid Bashir
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27 Apr 2026

Lack of regulated transport, poor road infrastructure and weak enforcement leave thousands of children exposed to preventable risks

For a majority of schoolchildren in Jammu and Kashmir, the journey to school has become an everyday challenge marked by risk and uncertainty. From navigating traffic-heavy roads without footpaths to travelling in overcrowded and poorly regulated vehicles, children across the Union Territory are exposed to conditions that fall far short of basic safety standards.

A recent study conducted by Assistant Regional Transport Officer (ARTO) Er. Mubashir Jan has brought these concerns into sharp focus. Published in the International Journal for Research Trends and Innovation, the research reveals that nearly 65 per cent of school-going children in Jammu and Kashmir lack access to safe, regulated school transport. The findings highlight systemic shortcomings in planning, infrastructure, and enforcement, raising serious questions about the safety of young commuters.

Jammu and Kashmir’s school education system is expansive, with approximately 28,800 institutions serving over 27 lakh students. A large proportion of these schools, particularly those run by the government, are situated in rural and semi-urban areas where transport infrastructure is limited or poorly developed. In the absence of organised school transport systems, families are often compelled to rely on private arrangements such as shared autos, vans, or personal vehicles. In many cases, children are left with no option but to walk long distances along busy roads that lack pedestrian-friendly infrastructure.

The study identifies children as one of the most vulnerable groups on the road. Unlike adults, they have a limited ability to judge traffic speed and risk, making them more susceptible to accidents. Yet, road environments across the region seldom take their needs into account. School zones, which should ideally be among the safest areas, frequently lack essential features such as zebra crossings, speed breakers, warning signage, and designated pick-up and drop-off points.

National data further underscore the issue. According to the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, more than 11,000 children lose their lives in road accidents across the country each year, accounting for a significant share of total fatalities. Additionally, over 13,000 deaths occur near school and college zones, highlighting the inherent dangers surrounding educational institutions.

Research cited from the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences indicates that around 2 per cent of injured children suffer permanent disabilities, often resulting in long-term physical and psychological consequences.

Despite the presence of regulatory frameworks such as the Motor Vehicles Act and AIS-063 guidelines, implementation remains inconsistent on the ground. School buses are required to be equipped with safety features, including speed governors, fire detection systems, emergency exits, CCTV cameras, and trained attendants. However, the study points to widespread non-compliance, weak monitoring, and a lack of accountability among operators.

A particularly concerning aspect is the absence of clear regulations governing private transport modes such as vans and auto-rickshaws, which are widely used by schoolchildren. These vehicles often operate without adherence to safety norms, leading to issues such as overloading, lack of safety equipment, and untrained drivers. In the absence of a structured regulatory framework, a large segment of students remains outside the scope of formal safety measures.

Infrastructure deficiencies further aggravate the problem. According to guidelines laid down by the Indian Roads Congress, school zones should enforce speed limits of 20–25 km/h and include adequate signage, pedestrian crossings, and traffic calming measures. However, many schools in Jammu and Kashmir lack these basic provisions. Encroachments, unregulated parking, and heavy traffic congestion during peak hours create hazardous conditions for children entering or leaving school premises.

Behavioural factors also play a significant role in increasing risk. Rash driving, disregard for traffic rules, and a general lack of awareness among drivers and parents contribute to unsafe commuting environments. With more families opting for private or self-arranged transport, the responsibility for ensuring safety has become fragmented, often leading to gaps in accountability.

The study calls for urgent and coordinated intervention to address these challenges. Experts stress the need for a comprehensive school transport policy tailored to the unique geographical and infrastructural conditions of Jammu and Kashmir. Such a policy should clearly define safety standards for all modes of transport, including private vehicles, and ensure strict compliance through regular monitoring.

Strengthening enforcement mechanisms is equally critical. Authorities must intensify inspections, adopt digital monitoring tools, and impose strict penalties for violations. The use of technology, such as GPS tracking and CCTV systems in school vehicles, can significantly enhance transparency and accountability.

Improving infrastructure around schools is another key priority. The development of footpaths, zebra crossings, speed calming measures, and designated drop-off zones can greatly reduce risks for children. The deployment of crossing guards and traffic marshals during school hours can further enhance safety.

Regulating private transport providers is essential to bring them within the ambit of formal safety standards. Mandatory registration, regular vehicle fitness checks, and proper driver training must be enforced to ensure compliance.

Equally important is the need for awareness and community participation. Parents, drivers, and school authorities must be sensitised about road safety through targeted campaigns. Schools can play a proactive role by conducting safety drills, appointing traffic wardens, and working closely with local authorities to improve commuting conditions.

As Jammu and Kashmir continues to prioritise educational growth and development, ensuring the safety of children must remain a fundamental concern. The findings of the study serve as a stark reminder that access to education is incomplete without safe and secure pathways to reach it.

Creating a safe commuting environment for children is not just a policy requirement—it is a collective responsibility that demands immediate and sustained action.

(The author is the Sr. Special Correspondent at Rising Kashmir and can be reached at: abid@risingkashmir.com)