Vehicle tracking, especially for commercial vehicles on highways, has been a concern for Indian authorities for a long time. Numerous untoward incidents are reported every year where lives and property are lost. Hence, both the union and state governments have been pondering on the idea of installing vehicle tracking devices on vehicles.
In a significant move aimed at enhancing passenger safety, particularly for women and children, the Haryana government has announced plans to equip all public transport vehicles with Vehicle Location Tracking Devices (VLTDs). The decision was made during a recent meeting of the state transport department chaired by Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini.
The Chief Minister emphasized the need for setting department-wise and district-wise targets to ensure the timely implementation of the project. He also directed officials to integrate the VLTD system with the state’s emergency response service ‘112’, thereby strengthening the emergency response mechanism.
This initiative, developed under the Nirbhaya framework by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, provides real-time location tracking and emergency alert features, offering an additional layer of security for passengers.
Comprehensive Measures for Road Safety and Compliance
Expressing concern over the increasing number of road accidents, Chief Minister Saini instructed officials to conduct thorough investigations into each accident to identify causes and implement corrective measures. He further stressed the importance of ensuring the fitness of school transport vehicles. All school buses are to undergo regular inspections focusing on their technical condition, with strict penalties, including challans and vehicle seizure, for non-compliance. “The safety of children is our responsibility,” the Chief Minister asserted.
Additionally, drivers employed by Haryana Roadways will be required to submit medical certificates periodically to ensure their fitness to operate public transport vehicles. These measures aim to bolster overall road safety and prevent avoidable incidents across the state’s transport network.
Focus on Electric Mobility and Revenue Generation
During the meeting, Chief Minister Saini also addressed the financial challenges facing the state’s transport sector. He encouraged officials to explore innovative revenue-generating avenues, such as commercial advertising on buses. This move is expected to help bridge the revenue deficit and support the sector’s sustainability.
In a push towards sustainable urban mobility, the Chief Minister reviewed the city bus service and called for an increase in the number of electric buses. The procurement process for 375 electric buses under the City Bus Service scheme is already underway. Furthermore, under the PM e-Bus Sewa scheme, efforts are being expedited to acquire an additional 250 electric buses.
The establishment of charging stations to support the growing fleet of electric buses is also in progress. These combined efforts underscore Haryana’s commitment to improving transport safety, modernizing public transit infrastructure, and adopting environmentally sustainable practices.
