No more fear of traveling alone in cabs and buses! Every public vehicle will be equipped with GPS trackers and panic buttons..

Delhi News: If you travel by taxi, cab, auto-rickshaw, or other public transport vehicles, this news is of utmost importance to you. On Wednesday, the Supreme Court of India delivered a significant verdict regarding passenger safety. The Court has directed all states and Union Territories to make the installation of vehicle tracking devices (GPS) and panic buttons mandatory in taxis, cabs, buses, and other public transport vehicles. The Supreme Court emphasized that this measure is crucial for ensuring the safety of women, children, and the elderly. The Court also acknowledged that, currently, very few vehicles across the country are equipped with these features—a matter of serious concern.

What Will the New Rules Be?
The Supreme Court has explicitly stated that, henceforth, no public transport vehicle lacking a GPS tracking device and a panic button will be granted a fitness certificate or a permit. This implies that installing these safety features will be mandatory for taxis, cabs, buses, and other commercial vehicles. The Court further directed that information regarding these devices must be updated on the 'Vahan App' so that, in the event of an emergency, complete details about the vehicle can be accessed instantly.

How Will the Panic Button Help?
A panic button serves as an emergency alert mechanism. If a passenger encounters any threat or distress while traveling, they can press this button to immediately summon assistance. This action will instantly trigger an alert to the control room and the relevant authorities. Simultaneously, the GPS tracking device will enable the authorities to pinpoint the vehicle's live location, thereby facilitating easy tracking of the vehicle during any emergency situation.

Directives for Vehicle Manufacturers as Well
The Supreme Court suggested that vehicle manufacturers should install GPS devices and panic buttons at the factory level, prior to the sale of the vehicles. The Court has directed the Central Government to engage in consultations with automobile manufacturers and prepare a comprehensive report on this matter.

Concerns Raised Over Road Safety
During the hearing, the Supreme Court also expressed deep concern regarding the high incidence of road accidents. The Court observed that people in India often fail to adhere to proper lane driving protocols, a lapse that frequently leads to accidents. Consequently, the Court has urged the Central Government to pay immediate attention to this issue.

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