CHENNAI: Chief Minister M K Stalin on Friday launched the Greater Chennai Police's unique QR code initiative for auto rickshaws and taxis operating in the city, to ensure safer travel for passengers, especially women and children.

The QR code ensures real-time monitoring and emergency response in case the passenger presses the SOS button. According to official data, 89,641 autos operate in Chennai, Kancheepuram, and Tiruvallur, of which about 78,000 are attached to ride-hailing apps such as Uber, Ola, and Rapido.

In the first phase, GCP has rolled out unique QR codes for 88,859 autos and share autos which have been distributed. These customised QR codes will be stuck prominently behind the driver's seat, for the passenger to scan.

After scanning, in case of emergency, the passenger shall press the SOS button which would send an SMS to the control room at Chennai Police Commissionerate.

This will provide police with live details of the vehicle including the location, and the details of ownership among others.

"The highlight of the QR code initiative is that, in case of an SOS message, Police can act immediately because of the location details and a patrol team can attend to the passenger's emergency immediately," an official said stressing that the initiative would be of use for female passengers who can travel without any fear in the city.

GCP Commissioner, A Arun, Additional Commissioner of Police (GCP), R Sudhakar, other senior police officers and ministers participated in the event.