The Delhi Transport Corporation's panic button alerts will soon be integrated with the Delhi Police's 112 PCR emergency response system, enabling faster intervention during distress situations on public buses. Lieutenant Governor TS Sandhu has directed the transport department and Delhi Police to expedite the process to enhance passenger safety, particularly for women.
Review of Women's Security Measures
In a meeting with senior transport and police officials on Wednesday, the LG reviewed previous directives issued in May concerning women's security on DTC buses. Officials informed that DTC had completed a preliminary exercise identifying vulnerable routes with high female ridership. The Delhi Police has been requested to deploy women constables on ladies special buses operating on these routes, especially during peak morning and evening hours.
The Police Commissioner stated that while Delhi Police will provide the necessary women workforce, additional deployment of women home guard marshals could supplement police personnel. A senior official noted that women cops will play a crucial role in ensuring robust onboard security, preventing unruly elements from boarding ladies buses, and deterring harassment during boarding and deboarding.
Women Ridership and Current Safety Measures
According to official data, women made over 56.2 crore trips on government-run buses in 2025-26 (up to February). DTC buses are free for women. Delhi's public bus fleet comprises around 6,100 buses, carrying an average of 24.3 lakh passengers daily. To bolster safety, 2,983 bus marshals drawn from home guards have already been deployed.
Integration of Panic Button Alerts
Integrating panic button alerts with the police emergency response system will enable seamless coordination between the transit network and law enforcement, ensuring a faster, more effective, and foolproof emergency response mechanism for women passengers in distress, an official explained. Panic buttons installed on DTC buses can be pressed by passengers facing harassment, assault, medical emergencies, or other security threats. Most DTC buses are equipped with these buttons and CCTV cameras.
Previously, the system functioned largely through backend monitoring and control-room mechanisms. In 2023, an audit revealed that panic button alerts were not reaching the police 112 emergency system due to a lack of integration between the two platforms.
Plans for Women Police Stations
During the meeting, the LG also reviewed plans to establish dedicated women police stations for complaints and crimes involving women and children. Police officials informed him that the first such police station is ready to be operationalized soon.
