Riding Solo Late Night? Good News For Chennaiites As Women’s Safety Gets Major Upgrade. All About New Emergency SOS alert

In a significant step towards enhanced women safety on the roads, the Tamil Nadu government led by Chief Minister MK Stalin has launched a new QR code-based emergency alert system in Chennai. For the safety of women and child passengers in auto rickshaws, cabs, and car rentals, the Greater Chennai Police has created 88,859 unique QR codes. These quick response barcodes will be placed behind the driver’s seat in the vehicles, making it easily accessible for passengers to scan in an emergency.

How Does The SOS Alert System Work?

The new QR code alert system is expected to be a gamechanger initiative and a powerful tool in case of emergency. To quickly alert the police control room about the immediate danger, especially when feeling threatened or unsafe, one is supposed to first scan the QR code. The passenger then needs to share the real-time location, the driver’s details, and vehicle information. The emergency alerts from ride-hailing apps like Rapido, Ola, and Uber are now integrated into the police control room for immediate action.

On the occasion of International Women's Day, this new visionary alert system was launched by the Chief Minister and the event was also attended by dignitaries including Ministers K Ponmudy and PK Sekarbabu, Chief Secretary N Muruganandam, and Chennai Police Commissioner A Arun.

100 Pink Autos, Hostels For Working Women

Chief Minister Stalin also rolled out other initiatives to boost women’s safety and empowerment in the state. He handed over 100 pink autos to women beneficiaries in Chennai. 

Moreover, he announced the construction of 100 new hostels for working women (Thozhiyar Viduthi) across several districts, including Kancheepuram, Erode, Dharmapuri, and others. With a total investment of Rs 72 crore, these hostels, with a 700-bed facility, will have biometric entry, Wi-Fi, purified drinking water, and 24-hour security, aimed at better safety and comfort of working women.

The Chief Minister also handed over 50 electric autos to women members of urban Self-Help Groups (SHGs) on behalf of the Environment and Climate Change Department, marking another big step in promoting empowered livelihoods for women.