The Chhattisgarh Government has announced plans to enhance safety measures in passenger buses by installing panic buttons, aiming to provide increased protection for women and students travelling on school buses. The initiative, which enables passengers to press a panic button in the event of untoward incidents on the bus, will immediately notify the control room, ensuring prompt response and assistance.
The panic buttons, alongside GPS installations, will offer real-time information regarding the location and speed of the buses. This implementation aims to curb driver misconduct and reduce the likelihood of untoward incidents involving women and students. A dedicated GPS control room has been set up at the Dial 112 office, ensuring efficient monitoring and response.
The Transport Department of Chhattisgarh has emphasised that the installation of panic buttons and GPS systems in buses will significantly enhance public safety and address potential dangers. The state currently operates a fleet of 12,000 passenger buses, serving various routes throughout the region. Additionally, approximately 6,000 school buses are in operation. The incorporation of panic buttons and GPS technology will provide instant information about the buses, improving overall safety and convenience for passengers.
Under the guidance of Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel and Transport Minister Mohammad Akbar, the Transport Department 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 activate an automatic alert if a school bus deviates from its prescribed route, ensuring the safety of children. The control room will be staffed with four employees assigned to each shift, responsible for monitoring all buses and promptly informing the police department in case of emergencies.
Panic Button Introduced for Passenger Safety
Passengers travelling on buses in Chhattisgarh can now avail 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 nearest police station staff will swiftly respond and assist the affected passengers. These measures are a result of 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 ensure quick responses and actions, a command and control centre has been established in the Dial 112 building located in Civil Lines, Raipur.
Understanding GPS Technology
The implementation of the Global Positioning System (GPS) in vehicles enables tracking their location on a designated server, serving as a deterrent to criminal activities. The GPS system provides 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 security measures for public transportation.
Private buses will also be equipped with GPS systems and panic buttons, allowing passengers to access real-time information about the bus’s whereabouts.
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