RTA To Fit Trackers On All Transport Vehicles With An Eye On Womens Safety
RTA To Fit Trackers On All Transport Vehicles With An Eye On Womens Safety. The decision to fit all public transport vehicles with Vehicle Location Tracking Devices (VLTDs) and panic buttons comes in response to rising cases of sexual violence and crimes against women in private buses and taxis.
Recent incidents highlight the urgent need for improved safety measures:
- A bus helper assaulted a female passenger in a moving bus en route to Samarlakota in Kakinada district, Andhra Pradesh.
- A horrific crime in July 2024, similar to the Nirbhaya case, where two private bus drivers assaulted a 26-year-old woman on the outskirts of Hyderabad. The bus was traveling from Nirmal to Prakasam district when the incident occurred.
These shocking cases prompted authorities to strengthen security protocols for private and public transport. By making VLTDs and panic buttons mandatory, the RTA aims to reduce crimes and create a safer travel environment for women.
How the Vehicle Tracking System Will Work
The Vehicle Location Tracking Devices (VLTDs) will allow the RTA headquarters in Khairatabad to track the real-time movement of around two lakh transport vehicles, including:
- Private travel buses
- Cabs and taxis
- National permit vehicles
Every vehicle fitted with VLTDs will be monitored at a centralized facility, ensuring faster response times during emergencies. The panic button feature will allow passengers to send immediate distress alerts to the police control room, ensuring quick intervention.
If a vehicle fails to comply with the VLTD and panic button regulations, strict penalties will be imposed, including vehicle impoundment.
Implementation Plan for VLTD and Panic Buttons in Hyderabad
Installation of VLTD Devices in Public and Private Transport
The RTA has made it mandatory for all transport vehicles, including existing and newly registered ones, to be fitted with tracking devices.
- Discussions are underway with VLTD suppliers to procure the necessary tracking devices.
- Approval from the central government is pending before full-scale implementation begins.
- Once approved, vehicle owners will be required to install VLTDs and panic buttons before renewing their permits.
Panic Buttons: Emergency Alert System for Women’s Safety
The panic buttons will be directly connected to the police control room, allowing passengers to alert authorities during distress situations.
- If a woman passenger feels unsafe, she can press the panic button, triggering an immediate response from law enforcement agencies.
- The exact location of the vehicle will be transmitted to the nearest police station, enabling swift action.
- The RTA monitoring center in Khairatabad will oversee all alerts and coordinate emergency responses.
Setting Up a Monitoring Facility at RTA Headquarters
The RTA headquarters in Khairatabad will establish a high-tech control center for real-time monitoring of public and private transport vehicles.
This facility will:
Track vehicle movement using GPS data
Detect unauthorized stops or deviations from routes
Respond to panic button alerts in real time
Coordinate with police teams for rapid emergency assistance
States That Have Already Implemented VLTD Systems
Several states in India have successfully implemented vehicle tracking systems in public transport to enhance safety.
Comparison of VLTD Implementation Across Indian States
| State | VLTD Implementation | Panic Button Installed | Monitoring Center Established |
|---|---|---|---|
| Karnataka | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Maharashtra | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Delhi | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Odisha | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Telangana (Hyderabad) | In Progress | In Progress | Planned for 2024 |
Implemented | In Progress
Government Support and Funding for the VLTD Project
To implement the tracking system efficiently, the RTA has sought financial support from both central and state governments.
- In 2019, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways made it compulsory for all states to equip public service vehicles registered after 2019 with VLTDs and panic buttons.
- States were also directed to set up monitoring centers for real-time vehicle tracking.
- The Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TSRTC) has already equipped its 9,500 buses with tracking systems.
- The new plan will extend this feature to private transport operators, making Hyderabad’s transport safer.
Challenges and Potential Roadblocks
While the VLTD system is expected to improve passenger safety, some challenges need to be addressed:
Funding and Budget Allocation
- The high cost of implementing VLTDs and setting up a centralized monitoring system could delay the rollout.
- The state and central governments need to approve funding for the project.
Compliance from Private Transport Operators
- Many private bus and taxi operators might resist installing VLTDs and panic buttons due to additional costs.
- Strict penalties and enforcement measures will be needed to ensure compliance.
Technical and Connectivity Issues
- Poor network coverage in remote areas could affect GPS tracking and emergency alerts.
- The RTA must ensure a robust system that works seamlessly across all regions.
Impact of VLTDs on Public Safety in Hyderabad
The implementation of Vehicle Location Tracking Devices (VLTDs) and panic buttons is expected to:
- Enhance the safety of women travelers
- Enable real-time tracking of buses, taxis, and cabs
- Provide quick response to emergency alerts
- Deter crimes by increasing surveillance
- Improve law enforcement coordination
The move is a crucial step in making public transport safer and ensuring a secure travel experience for all passengers.
Conclusion
The Telangana RTA’s initiative to install Vehicle Location Tracking Devices (VLTDs) and panic buttons in all transport vehicles is a major step towards women’s safety in Hyderabad. By implementing real-time tracking and emergency alert systems, the government aims to reduce crimes in public transport and improve security for women passengers.
