In a significant move towards enhancing passenger safety, especially for women, the Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (UPSRTC) has undertaken a project to install vehicle location tracking devices (VLTD) in approximately 5,000 buses across the state. Supported by the central government’s Nirbhaya Fund, this initiative aims not only to address women’s safety concerns on buses but also to elevate the overall travel experience through the integration of technologies like live tracking of buses.
The UPSRTC Ghaziabad region, which oversees a fleet of 967 buses, has identified 429 buses for the installation of VLTD. As of now, 286 buses in the region have been equipped with the tracking devices. Kesri Nandan Chaudhary, the regional manager of UPSRTC, explained that the project encompasses various components, including the installation of panic buttons, integration of new vehicles with tracking devices, and setting up LED display units at regional bus stations to provide passenger information.
The Nirbhaya Fund, initiated in 2013, is allocated by the central government to different state governments for implementing schemes related to women’s safety. In the current project, 5,000 UPSRTC buses have been earmarked for VLTD installation in the initial phase. These buses will be linked to a central command center in Lucknow, supported by 20 regional centers. Chaudhary mentioned that over 1,000 buses have already been equipped with tracking devices, and the regional center in Ghaziabad, possibly located in Kaushambi, is expected to be operational by the end of December or January. Private bus operators affiliated with UPSRTC have also been urged to equip their buses with similar tracking devices as part of the safety initiative.
The UPSRTC Ghaziabad region operates buses from major bus stations like ISBT Kaushambi, ISBT Anand Vihar, and ISBT Kashmere Gate, catering to various short and long-distance destinations. The implementation of VLTD is a proactive step to ensure the safety and security of passengers while leveraging modern technologies for a more seamless travel experience. The tracking devices, panic buttons, and regional command centers collectively contribute to making public transportation in Uttar Pradesh safer and more efficient.