Shillong, Jan 7 : To ensure smooth and quick delivery of mail and emergency aid to drivers, the union ministry of communications and information technology will introduce Global Positioning System (GPS) devices to track the movement of mail motor vehicles in the hilly terrains of northeast India, an official release said here Thursday.

"The GPS would be installed to track the movement of mail motor vehicles in the hilly and difficult terrains of northeastern states - Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, Manipur, Meghalaya, Nagaland and Tripura," the release said.

The department of posts under the union ministry of communications and information technology has decided to make the system operational by March.

At least 75 mail motor vehicles will be fitted with satellite networked GPS devices at a total cost of Rs. 1.20 million.

"This will help overcome the tough challenge posed by the hilly and thickly forested routes in northeast region and would ensure smooth and timely movement of mail and parcels across the land locked region," the release added.

Installation of GPS devices would help the authority track the location of vehicles all along the pre-defined locations. The position of vehicles will be displayed on a detailed digital map which would indicate date, time, speed, distance and the nearest post office.

Vehicles can be displayed on a single map window to visualize the geographical spread of fleets operating at a given point of time. The new system would also have the facility whereby drivers can issue alerts through SMS for detention beyond prescribed timings at post offices.

Through the GPS system, drivers of the mail-laden vehicles can also get assistance during an emergency. (IANS)