Dispatch News.
The Transport Department of Chhattisgarh has announced a new system aimed at improving emergency response. Currently, the state operates a total of 12,000 buses covering various routes across the region. Additionally, approximately 6,000 school buses are in operation. The panic buttons and GPS devices will enable instant information retrieval.
Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel, in alignment with Transport Minister Mohammad Akbar’s vision, has prioritised the convenience of the public. The Transport Department has been actively working on ensuring smooth traffic arrangements. Officials from the department have stated that the new system will also include mapping the routes of school buses. Any deviation from the prescribed route will trigger an automatic alert, allowing swift action to be taken. A dedicated control room will monitor all buses, with four employees assigned per shift. In cases of emergencies, they will promptly inform the police department.
Passengers aboard buses will have access to a panic button in the event of accidents or any other problems. Activating the panic button will immediately notify the police control room and transport control room. The nearest police station staff will be dispatched promptly to assist the passengers.
Following the Nirbhaya incident in Delhi, the Central Government has stressed the importance of women’s safety and the prevention of similar incidents. As part of these efforts, the Chhattisgarh government has decided to track all passenger vehicles in the state through an automobile tracking platform funded by the Nirbhaya Fund. GPS devices have been installed in the vehicles, and a command and control centre has been established in the Civil Lines area of Raipur. This centre enables live tracking and facilitates swift action.
The GPS devices will not only allow for tracking the vehicles’ locations but also help curb criminal incidents. Accurate information regarding bus routes will be readily available. For women’s and children’s safety, authorities will monitor all school buses and passenger buses equipped with GPS devices and panic buttons. The Nirbhaya command centre has been specifically prepared for this purpose.
Dipanshu Kabra, the Commissioner of the Transport Department, announced that private buses operating in the state will also be required to instal GPS systems and panic buttons. This implementation will provide real-time updates on the bus’s whereabouts, contributing to improved safety measures.
