WB Transport Department Mandates Tracking & Panic Buttons for CVs

Kolkata: The West Bengal Transport Department has made it mandatory for all commercial vehicles to keep their tracking devices active and panic buttons functional. Without an active tracking device, the panic button doesn’t work. And without the panic button, no emergency alert can reach the control center.

To pass the mandatory fitness test, every commercial vehicle must have a working vehicle location tracking device (VLTD). The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has already laid out the guidelines for this requirement.

Since 2023, the state has run a centralized command and control center in Kolkata. It monitors all tracked vehicles and responds to panic button signals. But the panic button only functions if the device is recharged. If not recharged, the device stops sending signals. And in an emergency, pressing the button won’t notify the center. No help arrives.

Read More: Delhi Bans BS4 CVs from Nov 1: Only BS6, CNG, EV Allowed

CV Owners Asked to Ensure Compliance

Senior transport officials met commercial vehicle owners—bus, truck, and pool car operators. They stressed one point: do not keep the tracking device inactive. Do not recharge it only during the fitness test.

Vehicle owners raised serious concerns. Many claimed poor service from the companies selling these devices. They said these companies often charge ₹3,000–₹4,000 for a recharge. Thereafter, they stop answering calls. If a device fails, there’s no support. That’s why many owners hesitate to recharge.

Government Responds to Owner Concerns

The state government took note of these issues. It directed device makers to lower recharge fees. The new cap: ₹2,000. The Transport Department also asked these firms to improve after-sale support.

Currently, around one lakh commercial vehicles in the state have tracking devices installed. But many of them are inactive. Owners say when a device goes silent, companies ignore service calls. That puts the panic button out of action.

Police Emphasize Emergency roles.

Police officials made it clear: a working tracking device saves time in emergencies. When someone presses the panic button, officers can track the exact location. Then they alert the nearest police station. If the device isn’t working, that response chain breaks.

The Transport Department’s directive is clear: safety depends on working systems. Tracking devices must stay live. Panic buttons must respond. Without them, help can’t be reached.

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