With no centres to hear, panic buttons in buses lie idle

A parliamentary committee has highlighted the underutilized emergency alert buttons installed in Indian buses, which cost a mere Rs 15-20 per unit but remain idle due to the absence of designated response centers. The panel, led by JDU member Sanjay Jha, found that bus operators are burdened with paying Rs 2,500 to Rs 25,000 per vehicle to have the buttons tested during mandatory fitness checks.

The system was introduced following the 2012 Nirbhaya case with the aim of ensuring women passengers' safety. However, the road transport ministry revealed that several states have connected the buttons to emergency response number 112, yet false alarms have been a persistent issue, leading some states to disengage the system. While the ministry desires the restoration of the program, many operators argue for its discontinuation.

A committee member questioned the fairness of charging such a high price for an ineffective system, suggesting the installation of CCTV cameras in lieu. The ministry has announced that cameras will become mandatory in new buses. The committee recommended pursuing the installation of emergency buttons, call facilities, and vehicle tracking devices in public transport vehicles across all states, emphasizing the need to expand the program beyond the 16 states that have made progress so far.