Yantrak Designs has helped implement the idea. Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) has installed Durga Yantrak alarm in 5 buses in a pilot project. Number of buses with safety alarms will be increased soon. System is being used in following routes: 238U – Ambedkar College to KBS; TR12- Srinagara Bus Stand to Basaveshwara Nagara Bus Stand; 18 – 9th Block Jayanagara to KBS; 401R – BEML 5th Stage to Yelahanka; and 27E – Shivajinagar to JP Nagar.
Durga Yantrak alarm is to be used by any woman or child in a bus to alert others about harassment. When activated, it lights up an LED panel in front of the bus driver. A siren can then be heard form within and outside the bus to alert all present, and deter misbehaviour in a moving bus. the simply solution empowers safety in public transport.
Made of a series of switches located on alternate seats from the driver, Durga Yantrak alarm is placed on the panel between windows at a convenient height so a distress signal can be sent out easily. Alarm switches are connected individually to an LED panel above the drivers windscreen to display the exact location of the activated switch, similar to a call button in aircrafts. Upon activation, the driver has immediately stop the bus and attend to a distress call. the switch can be turned once the the driver and conductor ensure a solution has been found, at which time alarm lights and siren will go off.
On February 7, 2015, Durga Yantrak alarm was inaugurated at Yellahanka Satellite Bus Stand by Transport Minister, Ramalinga Reddy, Chairman of KSRTC, S R Vishwanath, MLA Yelahanka, Nabhiraja Jain, Chairman, BMTC, V S Aradhya, Vice-Chairman, BMTC, Dr. Ekroop Caur, Managing Director, BMTC,and celebs.
BMTC continues to implement changes to improve mobility and reduce in air pollution, and has been observing Bus Day on the 4th of every month since 04.02.2010. BMTC observed its 61st Bus Day on 7th February 2015 at Yelahanka. Chakra Service is in operation around Yelahanka, converted into Midi bus services and operated clockwise and anticlockwise here.
BMTC has imparted gender sensitization training to its staff to create awareness among drivers/conductors to thwart sexual harassment cases in a bus, a punishable offence under law. 15401 employees have been given training, and educated about their responsibilities and duties and what they need to do in case of sexual harassment in buses. apart from the latest Durga Yantrak alarm system, BMTC has set up a complaint redressal system to stop harassment in buses and bus-stops. Helpline No:1800 425 1663, dial 2 to report complaints, and calls will be attended on priority basis. One can also e-mail to complaints@mybmtc.com
