The State Government in a notification issued by the Transport and Commerce Department here on Wednesday said installation of CCTVs and global positioning system (GPS) in all buses plying in the State would be mandatory. The notification warned that route permits won’t be issued to buses without CCTV cameras and GPS in them. The department said the step has been taken keeping passenger safety in mind.
Transport and Commerce Minister Ramesh Majhi said the decision was taken following a Delhi incident. “For the purpose, two sub-sections have been added to the Odisha Motor Vehicles Rules 1993,” said Majhi, adding, “Notification has been issued for the amendment and very soon it will be converted into law.”
The first sub-section says that in order to get route permits installation of CCTV and GPS will be mandatory, only then route permits will be issued. The second sub-section says that drivers, conductors and helpers and all other employees of all buses will be required to submit their photographs, addresses and police report on their criminal records and identity proof at the RTO or government. Suggestions and objections if any have been solicited from bus owners or operators for a period of one month in this regard, the Minister said. Notably, 15,000 private and 426 Government buses are plying in the State.
