Bhubaneswar: As per the Centre's directive, all the public transport vehicles including taxis and buses must install the Global Positioning System (GPS) in Odisha by April 1.

The installation of GPS is mandatory for the vehicles that have obtained permit certificate from RTO to ensure security and tracking system.

As per the notification issued by Ministry of Road Transport and Highways under Section 59 in the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, the RTO officials of all the state government need to enforce the rule strictly.

According to section 2 and sub-section 35 in the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, the vehicle should install the GPS and panic button. However, it is not mandatory for two, three-wheelers and e-rickshaw. The rule will come into effect from April 1, said a senior official in Transport department.

A notification has been issued to us to verify the GPS and panic button on all the vehicles. The installation of the devices will help anyone to track the positioning of the vehicle. It will bring transparency and curb theft. The vehicle owner can track their vehicles through the mobile phone. The passengers can travel safely in the vehicles used for commercial purpose. The vehicle owner can get assistance from police by switching on the panic button in case of emergency, said RTO officer Pradeep Mohanty.