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In country's first, KSRTC to instal panic buttons in buses

Last Updated 02 May 2016, 20:26 IST

Karnataka will be the first state in the country to provide panic buttons on its state transport buses for use by women in case of emergency.

The facility, which will be available on Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) buses plying in and around Bengaluru, is among many measures for women’s safety that the corporation will take. The other features include closed circuit television cameras (CCTV) and GPS units, which will be installed on more than 2,000 buses to give passengers a sense on security while travelling on state-owned buses.

These initiatives will soon be a reality once the Centre releases funds to KSRTC under the Nirbhaya fund. KSRTC has sought Rs 61.32 crore for enhancing safety and security of women and girl children in buses, bus stands and also in KSRTC’s workplaces.

KSRTC had sent a detailed, 21-page proposal to the Centre in the first week of April. The proposal includes demand for funds to provide facilities like exclusive lounges for women at bus stations. 

KSRTC managing director Rajender Kumar Kataria said the panic button will alert the central control room in the satellite bus stand, which helps the control room staff alert the nearest police station for action.

The proposal copy said that around 13 lakh women work in and around the city and many of them travel within the radius of 60 kilometres everyday to garment units, malls, small scale industries, IT companies and even in the government sector. A KSRTC official said each bus will be fitted with three CCTV cameras which will help curb crime against women.

Women hail move
“Panic buttons are a help for women, particularity when conductors or drivers try to abuse passengers when there are very few passengers in the bus. But its efficiency will be known once it is implemented,” Nirmala, private company employee said.

“Every week I travel to my native place Ramanagaram. The technology will give a secure feeling not only to me but also to my parents,” Kruthika, a student said.

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(Published 02 May 2016, 20:26 IST)

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