PANCHKULA: The civic body here is planning to install panic buttons in all major parks and upcoming bus queue shelters.Sources said that the Panchkula municipal corporation had earlier proposed to give a panic button to call cops, however, keeping in view the movement of public, especially senior citizen, the decision to install another panic button to call an ambulance was taken.It has been learnt that the civic body is going to construct 53 bus queue shelters at a cost of Rs 2.47 crore. The tender for this has already been floated by the authorities.“Key bus queue shelters and parks have been identified after conducting a survey. Out of 53 upcoming bus queue shelters, only select shelters (ones with more footfall) will be given panic buttons,” said Rajesh Jogpal, commissioner-cum-administrator of Panchkula municipal corporation.This year, the MC had conducted a survey on public transport with an NGO. The survey report highlighted that the state of public transport in the district was below average.The report mentioned that at present, the bus network in Panchkula was only confined to a few areas. For the last-mile connectivity, residents are forced hire autos and taxis.The report added that to improve the bus network, bus shelters needed upgrading. Most bus shelters don’t have lights.“Bus shelters should have their own light source, adequate seats, interactive panels to indicate bus routes and emergency buttons in case of distress. Also, there is a need for designated para-transit stands near bus stops to ensure last-mile connectivity. These stands should have designated parking space where autos and taxis can be parked. In the market areas, these stands should be equipped with public convenience facilities and street furniture,” the survey report stated.

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