Karnataka government fixes prices for GPS, panic buttons in public vehicles to prevent overcharging

Karnataka government fixes prices for GPS, panic buttons in public vehicles to prevent overcharging

Mangalore Today News Network

Bengaluru, March 31, 2025: The Karnataka government has introduced fixed pricing for the mandatory installation of GPS and panic buttons in public vehicles, curbing excessive charges by vendors.

In response to the 2012 Nirbhaya incident in Delhi, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) mandated the installation of Vehicle Location Tracking (VLT) devices and emergency panic buttons in all public service vehicles, including buses, maxi cabs, and school buses. However, vehicle owners raised concerns about both the requirement and the steep prices vendors were demanding.

Despite the market price for these devices being around ₹4,000, vendors were reportedly charging up to ₹18,000. Following a surge in complaints, the transport department intervened. After discussions, the government has now standardized the cost: ₹5,424 for a VLTD device, ₹325 per panic button, and ₹1,800 annually for network and maintenance fees.

Panic button installations must also comply with specific regulations, with the number required based on the vehicle’s seating capacity. For instance, a five-seater car must have at least three panic buttons, while a 21-seater bus needs seven, as per a transport department official.

These fixed prices exclude applicable taxes, and the government has made it clear that vehicles without VLT and panic buttons will not have their fitness certificates renewed.

Currently, approximately six lakh vehicles in the state are equipped with Vehicle Location Tracking (VLT) devices and emergency panic buttons, according to official data.