Panic button, CCTV for safety of women on Punjab buses

In a major push to make public transport safe for women and children, the Punjab Government is equipping state-run public sector undertaking (PSU) buses with CCTV cameras, dashcams and panic buttons, besides real-time GPS tracking.

Around 250 PRTC and Punjab Roadways buses, procured recently under the kilometre scheme, have been equipped with dashcams and CCTVs. Under an agreement with C-DAC, real-time tracking is being undertaken.

Transport Minister Harpal Cheema said all new buses being procured by the PRTC and PUNBUS, besides 100 minibuses, would have pre-installed safety features, complying with the latest standards fixed by the Centre.

“To achieve the target of 659 buses fixed for the PRTC, a tender process is underway to procure an additional 309 standard buses, besides 100 minibuses,” he said.

A senior government functionary said safety of women on public transport was important as a large number of women were availing of the free travel facility. Nearly 3.5 lakh women were utilising the free travel scheme on a daily basis, covering an average distance of 42 km. Last year, women undertook 12 crore free journeys across the state, he said.

“Private transporters will also be required to install the safety features as these aid in ascertaining the fault during accidents, which helps in legal investigations and protects innocent drivers. These also help monitor speeding, lane violations and staff behaviour, ensuring better driving discipline. Cameras and the GPS allow the authorities to monitor real-time data on the movement of buses,” said the official.

The department is conducting a trial of the panic button facility on the buses. “The panic button is connected to a command centre for real-time alerts and the CCTV for monitoring driver behaviour. All buses and taxis in Punjab will be equipped with the panic button and the GPS system. This will help track a vehicle’s location in the event of an emergency,” said the official.

If a woman is in trouble, she can press the panic button, which will immediately send a message to the Command Control Centre and the police, along with the vehicle location. The Punjab Police Emergency Response Support System will be alerted for immediate action.