Amit Shah launches Next Gen Dial 112 and forensic vans in Chhattisgarh
Synopsis
Home Minister Amit Shah has given Chhattisgarh a dual upgrade: 400 tech-equipped emergency vehicles under a unified Dial 112 platform and 32 mobile forensic vans — one per district — that bring fingerprint, ballistic, and digital forensic tools directly to crime scenes. At ₹65 lakh each, the vans signal a shift from lab-dependent to field-first criminal justice in a state still navigating its post-Maoist transition.
Key Takeaways
Union Home Minister Amit Shah launched Next Gen CG Dial 112 and 32 mobile forensic vans in Raipur on 18 May .
400 modern emergency vehicles flagged off, equipped with GPS, PTZ cameras, dash cams, mobile NVRs, and solar backups.
Dial 112 integrates police, fire, and medical services on a single 24x7 platform under the theme 'Ekke Number, Sabbo Bar' .
Each mobile forensic van is valued at approximately ₹65 lakh and covers one of Chhattisgarh's 32 districts .
Shah is scheduled to chair the 26th Central Zonal Council meeting in Jagdalpur on 19 May .
Union Home Minister Amit Shah on 18 May launched the Next Gen CG Dial 112 emergency service and a fleet of mobile forensic vans in Raipur, Chhattisgarh, in a move aimed at transforming the state's emergency response infrastructure and crime investigation capabilities. The launch marks one of the most significant upgrades to Chhattisgarh's public safety ecosystem in recent years.
What Was Launched
Shah flagged off 400 modern emergency vehicles and 32 mobile forensic vans during the event. The Next Gen Dial 112 service operates under the theme 'Ekke Number, Sabbo Bar' — integrating police, fire, and medical services into a single 24x7 platform accessible via voice calls, SMS, WhatsApp, and the SOS 112 India app.
Each emergency vehicle is equipped with GPS, wireless radios, PTZ cameras, dash cams, mobile NVRs, and solar backups, enabling live crime scene monitoring and real-time tracking of units across the state.
Science on Wheels: The Forensic Van Initiative
The 32 mobile forensic vans, branded under the theme 'Science on Wheels', are deployed one per district across Chhattisgarh's 32 districts. Each van is valued at approximately ₹65 lakh and carries advanced tools for fingerprint detection, narcotics testing, ballistic examination, and digital forensic support.
The on-site forensic capability is designed to minimise evidence contamination and reduce delays caused by transporting samples to central laboratories — a persistent challenge in geographically spread states like Chhattisgarh. Officials said the initiative is expected to foster a more transparent and evidence-based justice system.
Why This Matters for Chhattisgarh
The launch comes as Chhattisgarh continues to handle severe criminal cases requiring swift, scientifically backed investigations. The integration of Dial 112 with forensic mobility is intended to accelerate case resolution and reinforce public trust in law enforcement. Notably, the state has been navigating a post-Maoist security transition in the Bastar region, where rapid emergency response has historically been constrained by terrain and infrastructure.
This is also the broader context for Shah's three-day visit to Chhattisgarh, during which he is scheduled to review the security situation in Bastar and assess developmental works in the region at Jagdalpur.
Shah's Broader Chhattisgarh Agenda
Beyond the launch, Shah is set to chair the 26th meeting of the Central Zonal Council in Jagdalpur on 19 May, before departing for New Delhi via Raipur on the same day. The Zonal Council meeting is expected to cover inter-state coordination on security and development in central India.
With emergency services modernised and forensic reach extended to every district, the next measure of success will be whether response times and conviction rates in Chhattisgarh show a measurable improvement in the months ahead.
Point of View
Two stages that have historically operated in silos in India's interior states. Chhattisgarh's post-Maoist transition makes this timing pointed: the state needs credible, fast law enforcement to consolidate security gains. The real question is operational — whether the 32 forensic vans will be staffed with trained personnel consistently, or whether the hardware will outpace the human capacity to use it. India has a pattern of well-equipped units that underperform due to manpower and maintenance gaps. The ₹65 lakh-per-van investment deserves a matching commitment to training and accountability metrics.
NationPress
3 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Next Gen CG Dial 112 service launched in Chhattisgarh?
It is an upgraded emergency response platform that integrates police, fire, and medical services under a single 24x7 number, accessible via voice calls, SMS, WhatsApp, and the SOS 112 India app. The service was launched by Home Minister Amit Shah in Raipur on 18 May, with 400 modern vehicles equipped with GPS, PTZ cameras, and solar backups.
What are the mobile forensic vans launched in Chhattisgarh?
Thirty-two mobile forensic vans — one per district — have been deployed under the theme 'Science on Wheels' to conduct on-site scientific investigations at crime scenes. Each van, valued at approximately ₹65 lakh, carries tools for fingerprint detection, narcotics testing, ballistic examination, and digital forensic support.
Why are mobile forensic vans significant for Chhattisgarh?
They reduce evidence contamination and eliminate delays from transporting samples to central labs, which is a critical issue in a geographically large and challenging state. The on-site capability is expected to strengthen the evidence chain and improve conviction rates.
What else is Amit Shah doing during his Chhattisgarh visit?
Shah is on a three-day visit that includes a review of the security situation in Bastar in the post-Maoist period and a check on developmental works in the region at Jagdalpur. He will also chair the 26th meeting of the Central Zonal Council in Jagdalpur on 19 May before returning to New Delhi.
How can citizens access the Dial 112 emergency service in Chhattisgarh?
Citizens can reach emergency services by dialling 112 through voice calls, SMS, WhatsApp, or the SOS 112 India app. The platform operates round the clock and dispatches police, fire, or medical units based on the nature of the call.
