Sambalpur Jan. 7: An advanced tracking system will monitor the movement of city buses and ensure safety and security to commuters, it has been revealed.

Sambalpur Municipal Corporation deputy commissioner Sudhansu Bhoi said a proposal to install the Intelligent Tracking System (ITS) had already been accepted.

The Paschim Odisha Paribahan Company (Popco) has partnered with the state government to run and manage the bus service in PPP mode. Popco CEO Bipin Bhatia said: "Under the ITS, all city buses will have Global Positioning System (GPS) installed to help monitor their movement. The buses will also have four CCTV cameras each for commuters' safety and security."

He said the buses would be monitored from a control room at the modern Ainthaplali bus terminus.

"The GPS will help monitor if the staff members are following scheduled routes. The CCTV cameras will allow us to monitor passengers' activities and prevent cases of sexual harassment and other criminal activities," Bhatia said.

"Many people depend on city buses and the ITS will benefit them immensely," said Rabi Poddar, a commuter.