Despite safety regulations being in force since 2018-19, nearly one-third of public transport vehicles in Madhya Pradesh are still operating without Vehicle Location Tracking Devices (VLTD) and emergency panic buttons.
According to transport department data, out of 72,813 public service vehicles in the state, around 25,001 vehicles do not have panic buttons or tracking systems installed. The issue has now drawn strong criticism from the Supreme Court, which termed these systems “life-saving mechanisms” essential for passenger safety.
The court has directed authorities not to issue fitness certificates or permits to vehicles lacking verified VLTDs and panic buttons. The order also applies to older vehicles, leaving no exemption for previously registered buses, taxis, and passenger vehicles.
Following the court’s remarks, the Madhya Pradesh Transport Department has instructed all Regional Transport Offices (RTOs) to ensure strict compliance with the rules.
Supreme Court calls VLTD and Panic buttons ‘life-saving systems’
Hearing a public interest litigation filed by S. Rajasekharan on May 13, the Supreme Court observed that VLTDs and panic buttons can transform public transport into a safer and more accountable system.
The technology allows live monitoring of vehicle location, routes, stoppages, and emergency alerts. Once a panic button is pressed, alerts can immediately reach control rooms and women’s safety centres, enabling faster response during emergencies.
Retrofitting mandatory even in older vehicles
The apex court has also ordered retrofitting of VLTDs and panic buttons in all public service vehicles registered till December 31, 2018.
This means older buses, taxis, and passenger vehicles can no longer remain outside the safety framework.
Only half of BCLL buses running in Bhopal
In the state capital, around 157 buses of Bhopal City Link Limited are registered, but currently only about 80 buses are operational. The remaining buses are either parked at depots or remain off the roads.
Two passenger buses seized during early morning checking drive
In a joint checking drive conducted by RTO officials and police in Bhopal at 6 am on Sunday, two passenger buses were seized for operating without mandatory documents.
- Bus MP 04 PA 0848 was found operating without a permit, fitness certificate, and insurance.
- Bus MP 04 PA 1150 was seized for violating permit conditions.
Another bus, MP 41 P 0840, was found carrying an expired fire extinguisher and having non-functional emergency windows. Authorities subsequently cancelled its fitness certificate.
RTO officer Jitendra Sharma said such deficiencies pose a serious threat to passenger safety.
During the campaign, action was taken against 17 buses under the Motor Vehicles Act, and penalties worth ₹75,000 were recovered.
Statewide special checking drive underway
With summer vacations increasing long-distance travel across the state, the Transport Department and Madhya Pradesh Police have launched a special enforcement drive across Madhya Pradesh to reduce accident risks and improve passenger safety compliance.
