Hyderabad is set to become one of the first cities to implement a robust vehicle tracking system across all modes of transportation. The Telangana State Road Transport Authority (RTA) has announced plans to install Vehicle Location Tracking Devices (VLTDs) on approximately two lakh private travel buses, taxis, cabs, and national permit vehicles operating within the city, including those destined for other states.
This decision comes in response to growing concerns over passenger safety, particularly for women, following a series of reported incidents of sexual violence on private buses. Notably, a bus helper was arrested for sexually assaulting a female passenger en route to Samarlakota in Kakinada last year. More recently, two bus drivers were involved in a brutal assault on a 26-year-old woman in a case that mirrored the infamous Nirbhaya incident. The push for stricter measures, including the installation of panic buttons, is seen as a crucial step to curb such crimes and ensure the safety of all passengers. RTA officials have stressed that the panic buttons will be directly linked to both the police control room and the RTA’s monitoring centre for immediate response during emergencies. This initiative, which is in line with the Nirbhaya Act, aims to create a safer environment for female passengers, particularly those travelling alone or during late-night hours. These safety measures will soon be mandatory for all public transport vehicles, including private buses and taxis.
Along with the panic buttons, the introduction of VLTDs will ensure that the movement of all transport vehicles can be monitored in real-time. The system will be implemented across both new and existing vehicles, with the RTA working closely with suppliers to install the necessary tracking devices. Once the system is operational, the RTA will establish a monitoring facility at its headquarters in Khairatabad to oversee vehicle movements and respond to emergencies swiftly. Failure to comply with the new regulations will result in penalties and the impounding of non-compliant vehicles.
This development follows the implementation of similar systems in other states such as Karnataka, Maharashtra, Delhi, and Odisha, which have seen a positive impact on transport safety. The RTA has sought financial support from both state and central governments to make the project a reality. In 2019, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways had issued a directive requiring all states to fit public service vehicles with VLTDs and panic buttons. States were also instructed to set up monitoring centres, and Telangana is now working on fulfilling these mandates. Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TSRTC) has already installed vehicle tracking systems across its extensive fleet of 9,500 buses, further emphasising the state’s commitment to improving public safety.
With the rise in both the number of transport vehicles and the number of passengers in Hyderabad, these safety measures could play a pivotal role in reducing risks and ensuring the well-being of commuters across the city.
