SHIMLA: Himachal becomes the first state in the country today when Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur on Tuesday inaugurated Vehicle Location Tracking Device, Emergency Panic Button System and Command Control Centre of the State Transport Department for the public here today.
Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister said Vehicle Location Tracking Device with Emergency Panic Button System and Command Control Center has been connected with Emergency Response Support System 112.
When the panic button is pressed, a signal would be received through satellite to 112 and the person in distress would be connected and alert the police or rescue team.
As many as 9423 vehicles have been connected to this system.
Thakur said after the unfortunate incident of Nirbhaya, the Central Government has made it mandatory to install Vehicle Location Tracking Device & Emergency Panic Button in public transport vehicles for the safety of women and children.
After the establishment of this monitoring Centre, it would be easy to detect the theft of vehicles and vehicle accidents for the safety of women and children in the State, he added.
Chief Minister said this is an innovative step, which would make the roads of the State more safe and secure.
State has pioneered in implementation of this Project, which was a matter of pride for every people of the State.
He said that the vehicle registered in Himachal Pradesh and equipped with this device could be tracked anywhere in the country, which was indeed a technical marvel.
He said that the rescue operation in respect of the Kullu bus accident was also delayed due to the delay in information regarding this accident.
He said that with this initiative the transporters were provided relief of Rs 164 crore.
Jai Ram Thakur said about 1150 electric vehicles have been registered in the State till date and government is promoting electric vehicles under the Electric Vehicle policy.
“We have set a target of about 15 per cent growth in electric vehicle registration by the year 2025”, he added.
Government is providing 100 percent exemption in registration fee and token tax at the time of registration of electric vehicles.
Chief Minister said that the State Government has also decided to introduce a chapter of road safety in the curriculum of students from class six onwards.
Chief Minister also inaugurated the website of the Road Safety Cell. and released publicity literature for the new system.
Urban Development Minister Suresh Bhardwaj said the electric buses are proving of great help to provide pollution free transport facilities to the people of the state.
Transport and Industries Minister Bikram Thakur said electric Vehicle Policy would also ensure that the people of the State get safe and comfortable transport facilities.
Principal Secretary Transport R. D. Nazeem said the system would ensure check in theft of vehicles along with crimes involving vehicles etc.
