Indian government tells cabs to install panic buttons

World Today

Riding in a taxi will be safer in Delhi, India now that cab companies have been told to install a panic button as a part of new modified radio taxi scheme put in place after allegations that a cab driver raped a passenger. Some passengers are skeptical, and some the taxi owners have said the button is impractical. CCTV correspondent Ravinder Bawa reported this story from Delhi.

Indian government tells cabs to install panic buttons

Riding in a taxi will be safer in Delhi, India now that cab companies have been told to install a panic button as a part of new modified radio taxi scheme put in place after allegations that a cab driver raped a passenger. Some passengers are skeptical, and some the taxi owners have said the button is impractical. CCTV correspondent Ravinder Bawa reported this story from Delhi.

“It’s a fantastic idea this panic button. Hope that it works as most of the emergency numbers don’t work so hope it works,” said a Delhi newcomer named Bina who did not give her last name.

In instances of distress, a pushed panic button will signal the control center of the taxi service and then the nearest police station. Installing the button will be mandatory.

“I would say we have reservation as this button keeps getting pressed by kids or others, and in the long run it becomes of no use. It would be difficult for us to maintain it in a long term basis,” Kunal Lalani, the president of Association of Radio Taxis said.