
In a startling revelation that has sent shockwaves through Bengaluru's commuting community, the emergency panic buttons installed in cabs across the city are largely non-functional, rendering the much-touted safety feature useless when passengers need it most.
The Silent Emergency System
Multiple cab drivers across India's tech capital have confirmed that the panic button systems, mandated by the central government's Motor Vehicles Act, rarely work as intended. These emergency features, designed to immediately alert police and transport authorities during crisis situations, have become nothing more than decorative fixtures in most vehicles.
Why the Safety Net is Failing
The reasons behind this massive system failure are multifaceted and concerning:
- Technical Glitches: Most devices suffer from poor connectivity and frequent system crashes
- Maintenance Neglect: Once installed, the systems receive little to no regular maintenance
- Infrastructure Gaps: Inadequate backend support systems fail to process emergency signals
- Awareness Deficit: Many drivers and passengers remain unaware of proper usage protocols
Driver Frustrations and Passenger Peril
Cab operators express their own frustrations with the malfunctioning systems. "We paid significant amounts to get these devices installed, but they stopped working within months," shares a veteran driver from Whitefield. "When we approach vendors for repairs, they either charge exorbitant fees or claim the devices are beyond repair."
The situation becomes particularly alarming during night shifts and when female passengers travel alone. The non-functional safety feature creates a false sense of security, potentially putting vulnerable commuters at greater risk.
Regulatory Requirements vs Ground Reality
While transport regulations make panic buttons compulsory for all commercial passenger vehicles, the implementation has been plagued by systemic issues. The technology, intended to provide real-time location tracking and immediate emergency response, has failed to deliver on its promise across Bengaluru's extensive cab network.
The Way Forward
Transport authorities face mounting pressure to address this critical safety gap. Regular audits of installed devices, stricter vendor accountability, and comprehensive driver training programs emerge as immediate necessary steps to restore confidence in the city's public transport safety measures.
Until these systemic issues are resolved, Bengaluru's commuters continue to travel with a safety feature that exists only on paper, highlighting the urgent need for functional emergency systems in the city's growing transport ecosystem.