Daijiworld Media Network – Bengaluru

Bengaluru, Jan 7: Bengaluru’s notorious traffic congestion has long made commuting a challenge, especially for school students.

In a pioneering move, Indus International School has installed bio-toilets in two of its long-distance school buses at a cost of around Rs 5 lac per bus, making it the first school in India to offer such a facility. The initiative aims to prevent health issues and anxiety while ensuring a more comfortable journey for students.

Located on Sarjapura Road, the school caters to children travelling to distant parts of the city, including Rajajinagar and Yeshwanthpur, where bus journeys can take up to two hours. The lack of basic facilities during such long trips often causes discomfort and stress for students.

Vinoth Kumar, director (Administration) of Indus International, said, “For students travelling long distances, this facility is essential. Many children spend extended hours on the bus, and the absence of a toilet can lead to discomfort, anxiety, and health problems. Installing bio-toilets ensures a safe and comfortable journey for our students.”

The school has invested around Rs 5 lac in equipping the two buses with bio-toilets. If the trial proves successful, the facility will be extended to additional buses. While bio-toilets are commonly found on trains run by Indian Railways, this marks the first time they have been installed in school buses in the country.

Parents have praised the initiative, calling it a thoughtful and innovative step that prioritises the well-being of students during long commutes.