In a significant move to bolster public safety, the Bengaluru City Police have announced a crucial technological partnership with leading ride-hailing platforms Ola and Uber. This collaboration integrates the police's emergency helpline number, 112, directly into the mobile applications of both cab aggregators.
Direct In-App Access to Emergency Services
The integration, announced on Monday, December 23, 2024, is designed to streamline emergency assistance for both passengers and drivers. Previously, individuals in distress during a ride would need to make a separate call to the police. Now, with the new feature embedded within the Ola and Uber apps, users can connect directly to the Bengaluru City Police’s 112 emergency response infrastructure.
When seeking help, the app will automatically share critical information with the police control room. This includes real-time location data, live trip details, and user contact information. The automated flow of this data is expected to eliminate communication delays and provide first responders with precise coordinates instantly.
Enabling Faster, Life-Saving Interventions
Police Commissioner Seemant Kumar Singh emphasized that this initiative marks a leap forward in using technology for urban safety. He stated that the response mechanism would facilitate quicker action than was previously possible. By receiving verified trip and location data directly from the app, police patrols can be dispatched more accurately and rapidly, potentially enabling life-saving interventions.
"The flow of critical information enables quicker police access during emergencies," Commissioner Singh added, highlighting that this is a key step towards ensuring safer urban mobility through strategic tech partnerships.
A Shared Commitment to Safety
The cab aggregators have expressed strong support for the integration, framing it as a core component of their safety protocols. Sooraj Nair, Head of Safety Operations for Uber India and South Asia, remarked that the partnership reflects the company's ongoing investment in technology-driven solutions and close collaboration with law enforcement.
"Safety is central to the Uber experience. By integrating our in-app emergency assistance directly with the Bangalore City Police, we’re enabling faster access to critical information when it matters most," Nair said.
The timing of the announcement, just before the New Year celebrations, underscores the police department's proactive approach to managing safety during periods of high traffic and public movement. This integration sets a new benchmark for collaborative safety measures between public authorities and private mobility service providers in Indian cities.
