GPS must in public vehicles from April 1

The Centre on Thursday made it mandatory to have Global Position System ( GPS) devices in passenger transport vehicles including taxis and buses from April 1.

"From 1st April 2018, the passenger transport vehicles including taxis and buses are to be mandatorily equipped with GPS devices," the ministry of road transport and highways tweeted on Thursday.

However, three-wheelers and e-rickshaws have been exempted from this, said the ministry official.

Earlier the ministry had asked the state governments to ensure the installation of GPS in all passengers vehicles, many states were not able to implement it. The ministry has now said in future no more extension or excuse will be given to any states.

The ministry had also planned the mandatory installation of CCTV in all passengers vehicles having more than 23 seats, the idea was dropped following privacy concerns, said the official.