The Ghaziabad Transport Department has announced that from April 1, all commercial vehicles must have a Vehicle Location Tracking Device installed to obtain fitness certificates, permits, and other transport services. The rule will apply to buses, taxis, school vans, auto-rickshaws, and goods carriers. Around 40,000 commercial vehicles in the district are expected to come under this new regulation aimed at improving road safety and monitoring vehicle movement in real time. Vehicles without AIS-140 certified devices will not be allowed to operate after the deadline.
According to transport department officials, all vehicles must install AIS-140 certified tracking devices, which allow real-time location tracking and are directly connected to the control room system. The initiative is expected to strengthen surveillance and help authorities respond quickly in case of emergencies or accidents. Along with the tracking device, installation of a panic button will also be mandatory in every commercial vehicle to enhance passenger safety, especially for women and children. In case of an emergency, pressing the panic button will immediately send an alert to the control room for quick assistance.
The Regional Transport Office has also made it clear that several services will be automatically blocked for vehicles without active tracking devices. Such vehicles will not receive fitness certificates, new permits, or permit renewals. Additionally, no NOC will be issued for inter-district or inter-state transfer of vehicles, and ownership transfer processes may also be affected. Vehicle tax payment and record updates could also face disruptions if compliance is not ensured.
Transport authorities have requested vehicle owners to install the devices before the deadline through authorized vendors. The cost of installation is expected to range between ₹5,000 and ₹10,000, including device price, installation charges, and software subscription for one to three years. Authorities have stated that although this will impose a financial burden on vehicle owners, the measure is necessary to strengthen safety, reduce crime, and improve road traffic monitoring systems.
