Nearly one year after the Tripura government launched the ‘Track Me’ safety feature and Vehicle Location Tracking System (VLTS) for public transport, the project has not seen large-scale implementation across the state. Chief Minister Manik Saha inaugurated the initiative on July 2 last year in Agartala to improve passenger safety, especially for women and senior citizens. Initially, authorities integrated the system with 16 government vehicles operated by the Transport and Police departments. However, transport sector sources claim that private buses and most public transport vehicles still lack mandatory GPS tracking devices and SOS panic buttons. The issue has again drawn attention after the Chief Minister recently highlighted the initiative as a major achievement during a police passing-out parade in Tripura.
Key Facts
- Project Name: Track Me Safety Feature and Vehicle Location Tracking System (VLTS)
- Launch Date: July 2, 2025
- Launched By: Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha
- Launch Venue: Swami Vivekananda Maidan, Agartala
- Purpose: Passenger safety and emergency response
- Initial Coverage: 16 Transport and Police department vehicles
- Target Users: Women, senior citizens and vulnerable passengers
- Main Features: GPS tracking and SOS panic button integration
- Current Concern: Lack of implementation in public transport vehicles
Tripura Safety Initiative Faces Slow Implementation
The Tripura government launched the ‘Track Me’ safety feature nearly a year ago to improve security in public transport vehicles. Authorities introduced the system through the 112 India mobile application along with the Vehicle Location Tracking System (VLTS).
At the time of the launch, the government announced plans to gradually expand the system across all private buses and passenger vehicles operating in the state. However, the expansion has reportedly not taken place so far.
According to transport sector sources, authorities have not fitted most private passenger vehicles with GPS-based tracking systems or emergency panic buttons. Reports also suggest that additional government vehicles have not joined the network after the initial launch phase.
Chief Minister Highlights Initiative Again
The issue resurfaced after Chief Minister Manik Saha recently mentioned the ‘Track Me’ initiative while addressing the passing-out parade of the 91st and 92nd batch of police personnel at KTD Singh Police Training Academy.
During his speech, the Chief Minister stated that Tripura became the first state in the country to launch such a feature. However, questions have emerged regarding the actual implementation of the project across the public transport network.
Critics and transport observers argue that the system’s effectiveness depends on large-scale installation of Vehicle Location Tracking devices and SOS panic buttons in passenger vehicles.
How the ‘Track Me’ System Works
The ‘Track Me’ feature mainly targets women travelling alone, senior citizens, late-night passengers and vulnerable commuters. Users can activate the feature through the 112 India mobile application.
Once activated, the application sends the passenger’s live location and movement details directly to the Emergency Response Support System (ERSS) control room.
In emergencies, users can press the “Danger Button” available in the app. The alert immediately notifies emergency authorities, after which the nearest police or emergency response team moves to the location for assistance.
Authorities Claim Technology Is Operational
Police officials stated that the ERSS control room has already conducted successful trial runs of the system. According to authorities, the technology remains fully functional from the control room side.
The Transport Department originally launched the broader Vehicle Location Tracking System to monitor public transport vehicles in real time using GPS-enabled technology connected to a centralized monitoring system.
Officials projected the initiative as a major step toward improving road safety, emergency response management and passenger security in Tripura.
Question and Answer Section
What is the ‘Track Me’ feature in Tripura?
The ‘Track Me’ feature is a passenger safety system linked with the 112 India app and Vehicle Location Tracking System.
When did Tripura launch the system?
The Tripura government launched the initiative on July 2, 2025.
Who launched the project?
Chief Minister Manik Saha launched the system in Agartala.
What is the main issue with the project?
Most public transport and private passenger vehicles still do not have tracking devices or SOS panic buttons installed.
How does the emergency system work?
Users can press the “Danger Button” in the 112 India app to alert the ERSS control room and receive emergency assistance.
Location Context
Tripura is an important northeastern state with growing urban transport demands and increasing focus on public safety infrastructure. Therefore, successful implementation of GPS-based safety systems could significantly improve emergency response and passenger security across the region.
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