Transport unions urge Karnataka government to ease high-cost tracking device mandate as compliance deadline nears

As the November 30 deadline nears for installing vehicle location tracking devices (VLTD) and emergency panic buttons in public service and nationally permitted goods vehicles in Karnataka, transport unions representing cab, bus, and truck operators are urging the government to reconsider the mandate. They argue that the high cost of these devices and a lack of awareness have made it difficult for many vehicle owners to comply with the requirement.

As the November 30 deadline nears for installing vehicle location tracking devices (VLTD) and emergency panic buttons in public service and nationally permitted goods vehicles in Karnataka, transport unions representing cab, bus, and truck operators are urging the government to reconsider the mandate. They argue that the high cost of these devices and a lack of awareness have made it difficult for many vehicle owners to comply with the requirement.

To bolster passenger safety, the State government mandated last December that all public transport and national permit vehicles must install VLTDs and emergency panic buttons by November 30.

The devices were intended to improve location monitoring and provide a safety feature in emergencies. However, despite this grace period, many vehicle owners have not installed the devices, citing financial constraints and limited knowledge about the rule.

According to Transport Department sources, out of 6,04,000 vehicles only approximately 10% have been found to be compliant with the mandate so far.

Cab operators claim that without these devices Regional Transport Offices (RTOs) are withholding fitness certificates for hundreds of vehicles, affecting daily operations. “As per the rule, RTOs will deny the renewal of fitness certificates for public service vehicles if owners do not install the required devices,” a Transport Department official stated.

The mandate requires public transport operators to purchase the devices only from one of 13 government-approved vendors, who offer the equipment at a price of ₹7,599 (excluding GST). Transport unions argue that this restriction limits competition, forcing operators to pay inflated costs.

K. Radhakrishna Holla, president of the Karnataka State Travel Operators’ Association, expressed concern over the financial impact on vehicle owners. “The mandate to replace existing devices with VLTD and panic buttons places a financial burden on vehicle owners and drivers. Many cab operators have already installed GPS devices voluntarily to improve passenger safety and deter illegal activities. However, being required to purchase additional VLT devices at high prices from specific vendors adds extra strain, particularly on smaller, independent cab drivers,” he explained.