Patna: Authorities in Bihar have ordered the installation of tracking devices and emergency buttons in public transport vehicles, warning of strict penalties for non-compliance.
The state’s Bihar Transport Department said vehicles operating without a Vehicle Location Tracking Device (VLTD) and an emergency alert system would be stopped, with officials instructed to impose fines on violators.
The directive places particular emphasis on the safety of schoolchildren, especially girls. District magistrates and transport officials have been asked to ensure that all school buses and vans are equipped with the devices.
Officials said the emergency button would allow passengers to alert police and control rooms instantly in case of distress, while the tracking system would enable real-time monitoring of vehicle movements.
The system will be linked to a central command and control centre in Patna, allowing authorities to track vehicles, detect overspeeding and receive alerts if devices are tampered with.
The department said vehicle owners would also be able to monitor movements through mobile applications connected to the system.
The rules will apply to buses, taxis, cabs and other commercial passenger vehicles, though auto-rickshaws are exempt.
Officials have been instructed to coordinate with school authorities and transport operators to ensure compliance before April 1, when enforcement drives are expected to begin.
Authorities said vehicles found violating speed limits could face immediate fines, and repeated offences could lead to suspension of permits.
