Chennai, Nov 9 To strengthen commuter safety and enable real-time monitoring of state-run buses, the Tamil Nadu has approved the release of Rs 17.99 crore to install vehicle location tracking devices and panic buttons across all State Transport Undertakings.
The initiative follows an announcement made in the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly on September 8 by Transport Minister A Vijay Tamilan Parthiban, an official release here on Monday said.
Under this initiative, Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay has sanctioned Rs 17.99 crore to equip 13,490 vehicles across eight transport corporations with vehicle location tracking devices and fit 13,776 emergency panic button units.
Compliant with AIS 140 safety standards, these devices will be integrated with a Central Control Centre.
The system will enable real-time tracking of each bus’s location, operational speed, route adherence, and emergency alerts.
This centralized monitoring is expected to significantly improve operational efficiency and allow transport authorities to initiate prompt corrective actions when needed.
In case of an emergency during a journey, passengers can press the panic button to send an instant distress signal to the control centre.
Upon receiving the alert, the control room will pinpoint the precise location of the vehicle and coordinate immediately with local police and relevant authorities to dispatch quick assistance.
Designed to integrate passenger safety, emergency assistance, and fleet monitoring, this initiative aims to ensure a secure and reliable commuting environment, particularly for women and children.
The Chief Minister has directed officials to expedite the implementation of the project, the release added.
(PTI News)
