RAIPUR:
The Chhattisgarh Transport Department has made the installation and activation of Vehicle Location Tracking Devices (VLTD) mandatory in all passenger buses to enhance commuter safety. Bus operators failing to comply within the stipulated timeline will face strict action under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988.
Transport Secretary and Transport Commissioner S. Prakash reviewed the status of VLTD installations during a meeting with bus operators and authorised vendors at Indravati Bhavan, Nava Raipur. He directed operators to install VLTD in buses without the device within 15 days. Operators were also instructed to immediately reactivate devices that are installed but currently non-functional.
According to the Transport Department, the decision has been taken in line with Supreme Court directives and Government of India guidelines issued after the major road accidents in Phalodi, Rajasthan, and Ranga Reddy, Telangana, in 2025. The initiative aims to improve the safety of women and children travelling in public transport.
The Command and Control Centre at the state headquarters will carry out real-time monitoring of all buses. The satellite-based tracking system will verify whether buses are operating on their designated routes and following their scheduled timings. Passengers will also be able to track buses through the Sangwari mobile application.
Additional Transport Commissioner D. Ravishankar said the state is installing Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras and Intelligent Traffic Management Systems (ITMS) across all districts. These systems will identify vehicles violating traffic rules for immediate enforcement.
The VLTD uses satellite-based technology to transmit a vehicle’s real-time location to the control centre, enabling quick emergency response whenever required. The Transport Department clarified that enforcement drives will begin immediately after the 15-day deadline, and action will be taken against operators who fail to comply.
