West Bengal launches ERSS-112 emergency helpline and 900 police vehicles

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has launched the Emergency Response Support System (ERSS-112), replacing the previous emergency helpline number 100. To support this initiative, the state has deployed 900 new vehicles, consisting of 450 four-wheelers and 450 motorcycles, to be distributed among the state’s 450 police stations.

Adhikari noted that the current average emergency response time for the West Bengal Police is approximately 90 minutes, significantly higher than the 10 to 15 minutes seen in Kolkata or the 6 to 10 minutes achieved in states like Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Gujarat. To address this, the government plans to provide each police station with four additional cars and motorcycles within the next year and has approved the recruitment of 1,500 drivers.

Each station will also be equipped with a 20-member emergency response team, including five women police personnel. Additionally, the Chief Minister addressed the need for infrastructure improvements, citing century-old buildings that lack modern CCTV systems and fire extinguishers. He also emphasized strict legal measures to protect police personnel and recover costs for damage to public property.