Amit Shah flags off 400 dial-112 vehicles, forensic vans to speed up emergency response, crime probe in Chhattisgarh

RAIPUR: Union home minister Amit Shah on Monday rolled out Chhattisgarh’s biggest technology-driven emergency response upgrade by flagging off 400 next-generation Dial-112 vehicles and launching mobile forensic science vans across the state, a move aimed at cutting police response time and bringing scientific investigation directly to crime scenes.Launching the upgraded ‘Next Gen CG Dial-112’ service at the Police Training School parade ground in Raipur, Shah said the integrated platform would strengthen emergency response, crime investigation and citizen safety across Chhattisgarh, including remote and sensitive regions.Built around the theme “Ekke Number, Sabbo Bar” (One number for all), the upgraded Dial-112 network integrates police, fire services, ambulance support, women and child helplines, disaster response and highway emergency assistance under a single command structure.The service, operational in Chhattisgarh since 2018 and earlier limited to 16 districts, has now been expanded to all 33 districts. Citizens will be able to seek help through calls, SMS, WhatsApp, email, chatbot, web portal and the SOS-112 India app.The 400 newly inducted vehicles are equipped with smartphones, GPS, wireless radio systems, cameras, mobile NVR units and solar backup systems, enabling live monitoring, real-time tracking and faster field communication during emergencies.Officials said the upgraded platform includes a centralised command-and-control centre, GIS-based monitoring, advanced vehicle tracking systems, SIP trunk technology and automatic caller location identification to ensure quicker dispatch and response.Shah also launched 32 mobile forensic science laboratory vans under the theme 'science on wheels – towards faster justice.' Each van, costing around Rs 65 lakh, has been fitted with evidence collection and sealing kits, fingerprint detection systems, narcotics testing kits, ballistic examination tools, gunshot residue testing facilities and digital forensic equipment.The forensic vans are expected to significantly reduce delays in evidence collection and analysis by enabling preliminary scientific examination directly at crime scenes. Officials said the move would help preserve evidence more effectively and improve the quality and speed of investigations.Chief minister Vishnu Deo Sai, assembly speaker Raman Singh, deputy CM and home minister Vijay Sharma, DGP Arun Dev