Chandigarh Tops Nation in Emergency Response Time with PCR Answering Calls in Just 6.01 Minutes

Chandigarh, India – May 25, 2025: Chandigarh has once again emerged as the benchmark in emergency response efficiency, with its Police Control Room (PCR) recording the fastest emergency response time in India — an impressive 6.01 minutes in March 2025.

Officials from the Union Territory confirmed that the PCR’s average response time on distress calls made to helpline numbers 112, 0172-2749194, and 0172-2744100 stood at 6.01 minutes, making it the quickest in the country. This significant achievement marks an improvement over the previous national record of 7.03 minutes, which Chandigarh also held till December 2024.

A Rapid Rise in Response Efficiency

According to Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Kanwardeep Kaur, this remarkable progress is a result of continuous upgrades in technology and streamlined coordination across police units. From 7.03 minutes in December to 6.42 minutes in January, 6.08 minutes in February, and finally down to 6.01 minutes in March, the UT has witnessed a steady reduction in emergency response time. In April 2025, the PCR maintained a strong average of 6.26 minutes.

“This achievement showcases our commitment to public safety and rapid emergency handling. The integration of advanced technologies like Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) and Mobile Data Terminals (MDTs) has transformed our PCR units,” SSP Kanwardeep Kaur stated.

Boost in Fleet and Technological Power

In a move to further strengthen emergency response, 26 new Maruti Ertiga PCR vehicles were added to the fleet, increasing its strength to 104 vehicles. The new fleet was flagged off by Punjab Governor and UT Administrator Gulab Chand Kataria, who also chaired the city’s crime review meeting — the first such meeting chaired by a Governor-cum-Administrator in the UT.

The PCR fleet was earlier enhanced in 2024 with 25 Tata Safari SUVs, boosting the unit’s mobility and outreach. The newly inducted Ertigas come fully equipped with GPS tracking systems, real-time communication tools, and MDTs, allowing officers to receive instant updates and directions from the control room.

“These patrol vehicles are positioned strategically across Chandigarh to ensure quickest possible access to any location, whether urban or suburban,” added SSP Kaur.

Technology that Saves Lives

Thanks to the CAD system, emergency calls are automatically routed to the nearest available PCR unit, minimizing the time taken to reach the scene. Real-time location tracking helps officers navigate directly to the incident without delay, increasing both accuracy and speed in handling emergencies.

Each vehicle’s GPS system is monitored by the control room, which allows constant visibility of every unit’s location, ensuring that no distress call goes unanswered or delayed.

“Despite receiving over 300 emergency calls daily, ranging from street fights to serious road accidents, the PCR has managed to maintain its high-speed, high-efficiency response, setting a national standard,” the SSP noted.

Human Touch Behind the Technology

The PCR team’s effectiveness isn’t just about hardware and software — it’s about people. Officers in these units are trained to handle diverse scenarios including domestic disputes, robberies, traffic accidents, and medical emergencies. PCR vehicles also carry equipment to assist in first aid and rescue missions.

In a recent case, PCR teams recovered a missing 6-year-old child from Ram Darbar within minutes of receiving the call. In another swift operation, a mobile phone snatcher was intercepted and apprehended after real-time tracking helped officers block his escape route.

Beyond crime response, PCR teams actively help in locating missing persons, supporting accident victims, and assisting elderly or vulnerable citizens during distress.

From Flying Squad to Modern-Day Lifeline

Established in 1966 as a “flying squad,” Chandigarh’s PCR has evolved into the backbone of emergency response services in the city. Operating 24/7, these units handle a broad spectrum of incidents with speed, precision, and compassion.

Today, the Chandigarh PCR is not just a rapid-response police unit—it’s a symbol of trust and safety for the people of the Union Territory.