In a significant stride towards bolstering passenger safety, particularly for women and children, the Karnataka state government has issued a directive necessitating the installation of Vehicle Location Tracking (VLT) devices and emergency panic buttons in all public service vehicles, encompassing taxis, and cabs. This proactive measure, scheduled to be enforced from December 1, includes a one-year grace period until November 30, 2024, allowing comprehensive implementation of these safety measures.
The mandate for emergency panic buttons and VLT devices arises from a commitment to establish a secure environment for commuters. The scope of this order extends to a diverse range of vehicles, including 4.51 lakh private vehicles such as cabs, maxi cabs, and taxis, along with 16,432 school buses, 24,701 buses operated by the Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC), 1,900 tourist vehicles, and a total of 71,248 buses, with an additional 85,941 commercial (goods) vehicles operating across the state.
This decision reflects a concerted effort by the government to leverage technology for the safety and well-being of passengers, ensuring that public service vehicles adhere to enhanced security standards. The implementation of emergency panic buttons and VLT devices is poised to significantly contribute to creating a safer and more secure transportation ecosystem for all individuals using these services.