Lok Sabha Question No. 1005 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-02-05
Subject: Installation of Vehicle Location Tracking Devices in Ladakh
Ministry: ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS
Asked by: Shri Mohmad Haneefa

be pleased to state:

- (a)  whether the Ministry has reviewed the concerns raised by taxi drivers  and  commercial  vehicle  owners  in  Ladakh  regarding  the financial  burden  and  technical  difficulties  in installing  Vehicle Location  Tracking  Devices  (VLTDs)  and  mandatory  renewal  of registrations for older vehicles;
- (b) If so, whether the Government plans to provide any financial or logistical support, such as phased implementation or assistance for small transport operators who are struggling to comply;
- (c) the steps being taken to ensure that VLTD enforcement does not unintentionally affect the livelihoods of transport workers in remote areas where service centres and digital connectivity are limited;
- (d)  whether  the  Government  is  aware  that  State  permits  for commercial  vehicles  are  not  being  issued  in  Ladakh,  causing operational hardships for local transporters; and
- (e) if so, the steps being taken and the proposed timeline to ensure issuance of State permits in Ladakh?

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1005

## ANSWERED ON 5 th  FEBRUARY, 2026

## INSTALLATION OF VEHICLE LOCATION TRACKING DEVICES IN LADAKH

1005. SHRI MOHMAD HANEEFA:

Will the Minister of ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS

सड़क परिवहन औि िाजमार्ग मंत्री

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS

(SHRI NITIN JAIRAM GADKARI)

(a)  to  (c)     The  requirement  for  installation  of  Vehicle  Location Tracking Devices (VLTDs) and emergency buttons in public service vehicles  was  introduced  through  Rule  125H  of  the  Central  Motor Vehicles  Rules,  1989.  The  provision  was  incorporated  pursuant  to the  recommendations  of Justice J.S. Verma  Committee  after Nirbhaya  Case,  which  had  recommended  the  fitment  of  vehicle tracking  systems  and  emergency  buttons  in  all  public  service vehicles  as  a  measure  to  enhance  the  safety  of  women  and children.

In addition, the Government has issued regulatory notifications providing for phased implementation of AIS-140 compliant  VLTDs  in  public  service  vehicles,  including  both  old vehicles and  new  vehicles  registered on  or after 31.12.2018, National Permit vehicles, and N2 and N3 category hazardous goods vehicles, keeping in view operational and regional considerations.

Implementation  and  enforcement  of  the  above  mentioned provisions, including addressing specific challenges are undertaken by  the  concerned  State/Union  Territory  Administrations  within  the overall statutory framework.

No financial assistance is provided by the Central Government to small transport operators for installation of VLTDs.

- (d) and (e) With regard to issuance of State permits for commercial vehicles,  the  same  is  issued  by  the  concerned  State/UT  Transport Authorities  under  the  Motor  Vehicles  Act,  1988.  However,  as  per data  available  on  VAHAN,  permits  are  being  issued  by  the  UT administration  of  Ladakh  and  more  than  100  permits  have  been issued in 2026.

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