State defers panic switch system for vehicles to next year

The state has reportedly sought more time citing the need to set up the contact centres, control rooms and other infrastructure. The ministry had mandated the switches to ensure the safety of commuters, especially women and children.

Transport department officials had stated that the system would be in place from April 1. They said a notification in this regard was received from the union government. The Centre had directed speedy implementation and all efforts were being taken to set up the requisite infrastructure, they said.  

Sources said the ministry had made amendments to the Central Motor Vehicle Rules, with special focus on the safety of women and children in 2016. Further, the ministry notified it and directed all states to get the devices installed on vehicles, including government, private, school, college, tourist and mini buses and call taxis. 

However, the ministry exempted vehicles like lorries, trailers, auto-rickshaws and other three-wheelers. 

All Regional Transport Offices (RTOs) made it mandatory for vehicles to have GPS installed ahead of registration. “We have been adhering to this from April 1, 2018, and we have instructed the owners of vehicles to fix GPS after explaining to them the panic switch system,” said an RTO official. 

V Balakrishnan, president, Tamil Nadu Call Taxi Owners Association, said, “Chennai city has around 25,000 taxis including call taxis, and all of them have location-based GPS. However, it is the government’s responsibility to ensure proper connectivity between police and transport officials, when the commuter presses the panic button.” 

Even as activists welcomed the move, they expressed concerns over the delay. Advocate Sudha Ramalingam said, “Implementing the panic switch system is not an impossible task and the government should prioritise safety. Considering the present scenario, the government should complete the process soon.” 

S Velusamy, Joint Transport Commissioner (JTC), told DT Next that the department was working towards implementing the system. “We received the notification from the Union government, but we have communicated to the ministry that it will take more time. Moreover, officials from respective RTOs have been directed to identify places to set up contact centres and control rooms,” he said.