IN a significant move towards enhancing safety measures, Chhattisgarh Government has launched a command and control centre along with a GPS-based vehicle tracking platform, complete with panic buttons installed in passenger and school buses. This initiative is aimed at safeguarding the well-being of women and students during their bus travels. The new safety measures stem from directives issued by the Central Government following the tragic Nirbhaya incident in Delhi, emphasising the need for enhanced women’s safety. Currently, Chhattisgarh has approximately 12,000 private passenger buses covering various routes across State, in addition to around 6,000 private school buses serving students.

 

The integration of panic buttons and GPS technology is poised to improve passenger safety and convenience. In the event of any untoward incidents on the bus, pressing the panic button will immediately notify the control room and the state’s emergency response support system, Dial 112 services. This feature will provide real-time information, including the location and speed of the buses. By addressing potential driver misconduct and ensuring quick response in emergencies, the implementation of panic buttons is expected to significantly enhance the safety of women and students. The GPS control room for this system has been established at the Dial 112 office, ensuring efficient monitoring and rapid response.

 

The Chhattisgarh Transport Department has emphasized that the installation of panic buttons and GPS in buses will greatly enhance public safety by providing instant information about the buses. Under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel and Transport Minister Mohammad Akbar, the Transport Department is actively working to ensure smooth traffic management and public convenience. This new system will include mapping the routes of school buses, automatically triggering alerts if a school bus deviates from its prescribed route, thereby ensuring the safety of children. The control room will operate with a team of employees assigned to each shift, responsible for monitoring all buses and promptly coordinating with the police department in case of emergencies. Panic buttons will also be installed in buses, and information about any incident will be available immediately.