The North News
Chandigarh, March 25
Punjab’s emergency response system has received a technological boost with the distribution of 165 smartphones to Emergency Response Vehicles (ERVs), a move aimed at improving connectivity and reducing response times, Special Director General of Police (Special DGP) for Law and Order Arpit Shukla announced on Tuesday.
The initiative, undertaken on the directive of Punjab’s Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav, seeks to streamline the state’s Dial 112 emergency helpline. The system has so far processed more than 2.34 crore calls and registered around 20.05 lakh cases, officials said.
The newly issued smartphones, equipped with 5G technology and dual SIM capabilities, will serve as backup communication devices alongside the existing Mobile Data Terminals (MDTs) fitted in ERVs. The state currently operates 258 ERVs, comprising 241 four-wheelers and 17 two-wheelers, with 165 of these vehicles now equipped with advanced MDTs and the latest smartphones.
Shukla said the integration of smartphones would ensure uninterrupted communication, even if one network fails, thereby reducing response times. At present, it takes an ERV between 10 and 25 minutes to reach a location.
He also highlighted ongoing advancements within the Emergency Response Support System (ERSS-112), including expanded communication channels via chatbots, social media, and IoT devices. Plans are in place to integrate WhatsApp into the system to further enhance accessibility.
“The consolidation of crucial helplines, such as 1098, 101, 108, and 181, into a unified platform, along with the introduction of a heat map feature, will transform how crime hotspots are identified and addressed,” Shukla said. The heat map will enable authorities to visualise high-crime areas, including those prone to snatching and robbery, allowing for more targeted policing.
Describing Dial 112 as the “nerve centre” of Punjab’s emergency response system, Shukla said the helpline handles around 15,000 calls daily, leading to the registration of approximately 1,500 cases. Punjab Police is also seeking to procure additional ERVs to expand its fleet and further reduce response times.
Meanwhile, ERVs are being equipped with dash cameras featuring 1080p resolution and 256GB memory, portable amplifiers, fire extinguishers, and GPS systems. A total of 2,100 police personnel have undergone training on the use of MDTs, underscoring the department’s commitment to leveraging technology for enhanced public safety.
