Lucknow — In moments of crisis on the city’s crowded streets, dialling a number may no longer be necessary. The Lucknow police have reactivated emergency call boxes at ten major intersections, allowing residents to summon assistance with the press of a single button.
The devices, installed between 2021 and 2023 under the Safe City Project, had been dormant for years due to technical glitches. On Sunday, officials announced that they are now fully functional. Each unit is linked to the city’s Integrated Traffic Management System (ITMS) and monitored around the clock. Once activated, the signal reaches the police control room, prompting officers stationed nearby to respond immediately.
FCRF Academy Invites Legal Experts to Shape India’s First Comprehensive Cyber Law Certification
“This initiative marks an important step toward making the city safer and smarter,” a senior police officer said. “In incidents of harassment, theft, or sudden altercations, a matter of seconds can be decisive. These call boxes provide citizens with a direct way to alert us instantly.”
Challenges, however, remain. Authorities worry that some residents may misuse the system, either as a prank or to test police response. Surveillance cameras at intersections will be used to identify such cases, and strict action will follow.
Awareness is another concern. Having remained inactive for years, the call boxes are unfamiliar to most citizens. Police officials say new information boards will soon be placed at the sites, explaining how they work and why they matter.
Experts believe the initiative could prove vital for vulnerable groups. One crime specialist noted, “Women, the elderly, and those caught in sudden emergencies often hesitate to dial helplines or may not have immediate access to a phone. A visible button at the intersection can act both as a deterrent for offenders and a lifeline for victims.”
For now, Lucknow’s experiment with technology-driven policing will be a test of both the system’s readiness and the public’s trust.