Pilot project for panic alarm launched in Delhi buses

On the eve of International Women's Day, the Delhi government launched a pilot project for panic alarm system in city buses and said it aims to install alarm systems in all city buses in a year's time.

If anyone presses one of the four panic buttons installed in the bus, a loud beeping alarm will be activated for 40 seconds, during which time it cannot be deactivated.

The driver would then stop the bus at the left side of the road and the conductor would check why it was pressed.

If the situation cannot be addressed on the spot, the conductor would then call the Depot Manager, who will intimate PCR van if necessary.

The panic alarm system will also be integrated with the bus's GPS location, so that when the alarm is pressed, the Depot Manager and Central Command Centre of bus operations would get an alert.

Speaking about the pilot project, Transport Minister Kailash Gahlot on Wednesday said: "Panic alarms in buses will add the third line of defence to ensure women's safety in Delhi buses. Our government has already deployed bus marshals in all DTC buses, and implemented CCTVs in 200 DTC buses on a pilot basis.

"By March 2019, we will be scaling up all these three initiatives to cover all DTC and cluster buses, thereby guaranteeing a safe and harassment-free bus ride for Delhi's women."

--IANS

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