Amit Shah launches 400 Dial 112 vehicles, forensic vans in Chhattisgarh

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday flagged off 400 new vehicles for the ‘CG Dial 112’ emergency response service and 32 mobile forensic science laboratory vans in Chhattisgarh, aimed at strengthening emergency assistance and scientific investigation systems in the state.

Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai described the initiative as a major step towards improving public safety and rapid emergency response services across Chhattisgarh.

Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Sharma, state assembly speaker Raman Singh and Director General of Police Arun Dev Gautam were present at the event held at the parade ground of the Police Training School (PTS) at Mana camp in Raipur.

According to officials, the 400 newly inducted vehicles are equipped with smartphones, GPS, wireless radio systems, PTZ (pan-tilt-zoom) cameras, dash cameras, mobile network video recorders and solar backup facilities. The vehicles will support live monitoring, real-time tracking and rapid communication during emergencies.

Officials said the service will function round the clock using GIS-based monitoring, advanced vehicle tracking, SIP trunk technology and automatic caller location identification. People will be able to seek assistance through voice calls, SMS, email, web portals, WhatsApp, chatbots and the SOS-112 India mobile application.

The upgraded system is expected to strengthen crime control, women and child safety, road accident response, medical assistance and overall emergency management in the state.

Officials said the ‘CG Dial 112’ service, which was operational in 16 of the state’s 33 districts, has now been expanded across all districts from Monday.

In a post on X, Sai said, “Union Minister of Home Affairs and Cooperation Amit Shah today flagged off over 400 state-of-the-art vehicles from Raipur under the ‘Next Gen CG Dial-112’ service. This marks a significant step towards further strengthening public safety and the system for providing rapid emergency assistance in Chhattisgarh.”

He added that the service, previously operational in 16 districts, has now been extended to all 33 districts to ensure prompt, safe and effective assistance during emergencies, including road accidents, medical emergencies and matters concerning the safety of women and children.

“It is the clear resolve of our government that every citizen receives swift, reliable and superior assistance during times of crisis. ‘Next Gen CG Dial-112’ is a strong initiative towards building a safe, sensitive and empowered Chhattisgarh,” the chief minister said.

Officials said the technology-driven governance initiative integrates police assistance, fire services, medical emergency response, women’s helpline, child helpline, disaster management support and highway emergency services on a single platform.

The Dial 112 service has been operational in Chhattisgarh since 2018 and has already assisted lakhs of people during emergencies, officials added.

The 32 mobile forensic science laboratory vans, launched under the theme ‘Science on Wheels – Towards Faster Justice’, will strengthen scientific investigation at crime scenes. Officials said one van has been allotted to each of the 32 districts out of the state’s 33 districts.

Each van, costing around Rs 65 lakh, has been equipped with crime scene protection kits, evidence collection and sealing tools, fingerprint detection systems, narcotics testing kits, digital forensic support systems, high-quality photography equipment, ballistic examination kits and gunshot residue testing facilities.

Officials said the mobile laboratories will enable preliminary scientific examination, evidence preservation, testing and digital documentation directly at crime scenes. The system is also expected to reduce delays in transporting evidence to laboratories and minimise the chances of contamination.