Mangaluru
A resolution was passed at the Regional Transport Authority (RTA) meeting that requires bus operators, including KSRTC, to integrate GPS devices with the Integrated Command and Control Centre (ICCC) of Mangaluru Smart City Limited (MSCL), enhancing vehicle tracking capabilities.
At the RTA meeting, Deputy Commissioner MP Mullai Muhilan, questioned operators on their delay in linking GPS systems to the ICCC, stressing that this integration is essential for passenger and public safety.
The RTA mandates that all buses’ GPS systems must be linked to the ICCC. Any downtime will be considered a violation, and this linking must be completed by the end of November the Deputy Commissioner said. He said that Mangaluru City Corporation Commissioner CL Anand will be the implementation officer, directing him to convene a meeting with bus owners and MSCL officials immediately.
Bus owner Dilraj Alva responded, explaining that data was shared with officials years prior, but the RTO cited vendor issues with installing Vehicle Location Tracking (VLT) devices and emergency panic buttons in public vehicles. The DC reiterated the importance of swift GPS integration and encouraged bus operators to submit feedback on the emergency panic button installation. He noted that once linked, the Intelligent Transport Management System would support more efficient scheduling and bus timing rationalisation.
City police commissioner Anupam Agrawal insisted on the need to verify the backgrounds of bus conductors and drivers, including checking for any criminal records. An official from the New Mangalore Port Authority said that a truck terminal with a capacity for 400 trucks has been established near Panambur and recommended that all trucks be directed to park there. He also requested the Deputy Commissioner’s approval for an additional terminal to accommodate 200 to 300 more trucks.
