Answering Safety Issues: Call Center Initiative by Ludhiana ISBT in limbo stuck

BYNISHIKA KRITI, LUDHIANA 02 APRIL 2025 05:40 AM IST According to a senior official of the Department of Social Security, these call centers were proposed as kiosks at the bus stall to support women and children in need; The initiative aimed to provide a direct communication channel for immediate assistance in cases of harassment, emergencies or safety issues. Right now, the only options for complaints in the home of complaints are a helpline number and a complaint book at the investigative bench. (Manish/HT) According to a senior official of the Department of Social Security, these call centers were proposed as kiosks on the bus stall to support women and children in need. The initiative aimed to provide a direct communication channel for immediate assistance in cases of harassment, emergencies or safety issues. By ensuring a quick action and providing a more accessible mechanism for grievances, these centers are expected to achieve a sense of safety, especially for passengers traveling alone or during the late hours. At present, the only options for complaints in the home of complaints are a helpline number and a complaint with the investigator, who both commuters claim it is ineffective. Rajinder Kaur, a regular traveler to Mullanpur, reflected her concern, a fellow passenger carried me wrong while I went on the bus. I reported it through the helpline, but no action was done, ‘she said. Similarly, Tanveer Kaur, who commutes to Phillaur for work at a private financing business daily, has emphasized the risks women face, especially at night, by saying, ‘There are very few female passengers in the late hours, making security a huge concern. Although a police station exists within the bus stall site, we hesitate to approach the authorities at night. ” An official of the bus stall acknowledged the issue and said: “Ludhiana’s bus stall is one of the busiest in Punjab, who handles thousands of passengers daily. Still, without a dedicated grievance system, many commuters are left to take care of themselves.” Meanwhile, inquirer of the Punjab roads, Inquiries Batraj Batish said: “We still need to receive instructions to set up these centers at Ludhiana Bus Stand.”