VLTD Operations Halted in Odisha, Jeopardizing Safety Norms

Bhubaneswar: The Vehicle Location Tracking Device (VLTD) operations in Odisha, mandated by the Supreme Court following the Nirbhaya incident for enhanced safety of women and children, have ceased operations from April 1. This disruption results from the State Transport Authority (STA)’s expired contract with Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) as of March 31.

The shutdown not only wastes approximately Rs 5 crore of public investment but also severely inconveniences over 50,000 vehicle owners who have already installed VLTDs, and another 2 lakh who are in the process of installation. Critical vehicles, including taxis, school buses, mineral-carrying trucks, and police vehicles, will also lose their tracking capabilities, raising significant safety concerns.

Despite clear guidelines in the STA-BSNL agreement to maintain operations until a new contract is finalized, the Transport Department and STA have reportedly overlooked BSNL’s appeals for renewal. Advocate and road safety expert Subrat Kumar Nanda criticized the abrupt termination, highlighting its violation of Supreme Court safety directives.

“This deliberate neglect compromises public safety, specifically endangering women and children. People who have invested Rs 16,000 per vehicle for VLTD installation are now stranded,” said Nanda, who alleged political interference aimed at benefiting private operators through backdoor channels.

The Transport Commissioner had previously directed BSNL to hand over essential infrastructure and applications to STA by March 29, 2025. However, no contingency plan has been implemented to ensure uninterrupted VLTD operations.