BANGALORE: In Karnataka, emergency panic buttons and location-tracking equipment are required for all public and private transportation vehicles. The state cabinet decided to "protect the safety of travellers, especially women and children" on Thursday.

As the GPS devices would notify the authorities of any overspeeding vehicles, the action is anticipated to dramatically improve highway safety.

State Law Minister J.C. Madhuswamy briefed the media following the cabinet meeting and stated that 6.8 lakh automobiles would be included in the project that would be carried out with help from the federal government.

The initiative's goal, according to Madhuswamy, is to reduce crimes against women. "The Central government will pay 60% of the funds, and the state government would bear the remaining costs," he added.

The government will centrally monitor the vehicles once the programme is in place. The minister claimed that this would allow the government to crack down on tax cheats and people who abuse their transportation licences. 

The project will aid in the identification of tax evaders and people abusing permits in addition to making transportation services safer.

There are about 4.51 lakh private vehicles including cabs, maxi cabs and taxis. There are also 16,432 school buses. 1,900 tourist vehicles are present. 85,941 commercial (goods) vehicles and 71,248 buses altogether are in service in the state, minister Madhuswamy said.

The government will oversee the vehicles from a centralised place after the devices are deployed. The minister made it clear that the government will equip private vehicles with the safety equipment.

The state or a designated agency can then take preventative or corrective measures. The complete system, which consists of a car tracking and emergency response system, will help to prevent accidents and improve road safety, he said, as well as ensure passenger safety.

Tamil Nadu to celebrate Raja Cholan's birth anniversary as govt function

For dismissal of TN Governor DMK reaches out to opposition parties

Heavy rains in Tamil Nadu: Holiday declared for schools in 7 districts