Gujarat Police signs MoU with Bharat Taxi to integrate SOS service, driver verification
Gandhinagar, June 27
Gujarat Police on Saturday signed a memorandum of understanding with multi-state cooperative society Sahkar Taxi Co-operative Limited, which operates the 'Bharat Taxi' platform, to integrate digital safety features aimed at strengthening passenger security and urban transport across the state.
The agreement provides for integrating an SOS service within the Bharat Taxi mobile application with the Gujarat Police control room mechanism, enabling passengers to seek immediate assistance during emergencies.
The initiative aims to improve commuter safety, with particular emphasis on women and senior citizens.
"The MoU was signed as part of Gujarat Police's efforts to enhance public safety, improve traffic management and make daily travel more secure and convenient under the supervision of Director General of Police (DGP) G.S. Malik," officials said.
Under the partnership, all drivers joining the Bharat Taxi platform will undergo official police verification (KYC) by Gujarat Police to help ensure passenger safety.
The agreement also provides for special awareness programmes for drivers on traffic regulations and road safety, as well as joint public awareness campaigns to promote safe travel among citizens.
As part of the arrangement, Gujarat Police will be responsible for maintaining law and order, providing support, conducting driver verification, and providing control room assistance. Bharat Taxi will manage and operate the digital platform.
To ensure effective implementation of the project, Gujarat Police will appoint a dedicated nodal officer to coordinate driver verification, traffic branding and training programmes.
According to the Gujarat Police, the digital integration is aimed at enabling safer, more reliable urban mobility while contributing to greener, more secure transport services across the state.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Good step, but I wish they had focused on better background checks for drivers from the very beginning. Police verification is important, but what about ongoing monitoring and red flags? Let's hope this is a genuine effort and not just another photo-op.
As someone living in Ahmedabad, this is much needed. But please make sure the SOS button actually works when someone presses it - not like those emergency features that just show a loading screen when used. Have tested it, hope to see it operational soon. 👏
This is a good move! My mother is a senior citizen and she often uses taxis to visit relatives. Knowing that the drivers are officially verified by police gives us a lot of relief. I hope the driver training programs also include how to assist elderly passengers. 💕
Sahkar taxi - I am glad they are reviving the cooperative model. But police should also ensure that these drivers are not exploited by the platform. Safety should include fair wages and proper working conditions for drivers as well. A more holistic approach would be better.
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