Gurugram issues school safety rules: No buses on waterlogged routes during rain

Gurugram administration has ordered schools not to send buses through waterlogged routes during heavy rainfall and to keep students on school premises if no safe alternative is available.The order has been issued by the District Disaster Management Authority, Gurugram, headed by District Magistrate Uttam Singh, for the remainder of the 2026 monsoon season. It will remain in force until September 30, 2026, or until further orders.The move follows repeated incidents of school buses getting stuck in traffic and waterlogged stretches, with some children having to walk through accumulated water at pick-up and drop-off points.CHECK THE ROUTE BEFORE THE BUS MOVESUnder the new system, Gurugram Traffic Police will share regular updates on school routes during rainy days. Routes will be classified as clear, slow-moving or waterlogged and to be avoided. Updates will be sent to schools in the morning, around midday and afternoon on days when there has been rainfall or an India Meteorological Department alert. A flash update will also be issued within 30 minutes if heavy rain makes a route unsafe.Schools must forward these updates to their transport teams and plan bus movement accordingly. If a route is declared waterlogged, buses must use a safe alternative. If there is no safe alternative, students must remain at school under staff supervision and parents must be informed immediately.NO CHILD LEFT AT A WATERLOGGED STOPSchools have also been told not to drop children at unattended or waterlogged bus stops.Children must be handed over only to a parent or authorised guardian. Every school bus must have a staff escort, drinking water and a driver instructed not to enter waterlogged stretches or underpasses.Schools must also inform parents through SMS or their school app if there is a change in the bus route or dispersal timing.BACKUP BUSES WILL BE READYOn days of heavy rain or an IMD alert, Haryana Roadways will keep spare buses ready at locations with all-weather access.These buses can be used to move children safely if a school bus breaks down, gets stuck in waterlogging or cannot complete its route. Children can be taken back to school or another safe location and cannot be left unaccompanied.Every school must also appoint a Transport In-charge or Route Safety Officer.The order directs agencies responsible for removing waterlogging to prioritise school bus routes and areas around school gates.- EndsPublished By: Princy ShuklaPublished On: Aug 26, 2026 12:20 IST