Chhattisgarh Government has planned to enhance safety measures in passenger buses by installing panic buttons. This initiative aims to protect women and students travelling on school buses. In the event of any untoward incidents on the bus, pressing the panic button will immediately notify the control room.
This feature will provide real-time information such as the location and speed of the buses. Along with curbing driver misconduct, the implementation of panic buttons is expected to reduce the likelihood of any untoward incidents related to women and students. The GPS control room for this system has been established at the Dial 112 office, which will ensure efficient monitoring and response.
The Transport Department of Chhattisgarh has announced that the installation of panic buttons and GPS in buses will significantly assist the public in dealing with potential dangers and untoward incidents. Currently, the state operates a fleet of 12,000 passenger buses, covering various routes across the state.
Approximately 6,000 school buses are in operation. The implementation of panic buttons and GPS will provide instant information about the buses, ensuring improved safety and convenience for passengers.
The Transport Department, under the guidance of Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel and Transport Minister Mohammad Akbar, is actively working towards ensuring smooth traffic arrangements and public convenience. As part of their efforts, the department has announced that the new system will include mapping the routes of school buses.
This feature will enable the automatic alert mode if a school bus deviates from its prescribed route, ensuring the safety of children. The control room will have four employees who will be assigned to each shift, responsible for monitoring all buses and promptly informing the police department in case of emergencies.
Panic Button
Passengers travelling on buses in Chhattisgarh now have an additional safety measure with the installation of panic buttons. In the event of an accident or any issues, passengers can press the panic button, immediately notifying both the police control room and the transport control room.
The staff of the nearest police station will then swiftly respond and assist the affected passengers. These measures stem from the directives issued by the Central Government following the tragic Nirbhaya incident in Delhi, emphasising the need for enhanced women's safety.
As part of this initiative, all passenger vehicles in Chhattisgarh are being tracked through a vehicle tracking platform, utilising GPS installations funded by the Nirbhaya Fund. A vehicle tracking software developed by CHIPS enables real-time tracking of all vehicles. To facilitate quick responses and actions, a command and control centre has been established in the Dial 112 building located in Civil Lines, Raipur.
What is GPS
The implementation of the Global Positioning System (GPS) in vehicles enables tracking their location on a designated server. This installation will serve as a deterrent to criminal activities. The GPS system will provide accurate information about bus routes, ensuring improved safety for women and children. Both school buses and passenger buses in the state will be monitored using GPS technology, which includes panic buttons. The state government has established the Nirbhaya Command Centre to oversee this system, further enhancing the security measures for public transportation.
Version
The state government has decided to install GPS systems and panic buttons in private buses, allowing passengers to access real-time information about the bus's whereabouts.
Dipanshu Kabra, Commissioner, Transport Department, Chhattisgarh
