Telangana Police launch unified emergency helpline number `112’; here is how to reach it

Hyderabad: Telangana Police have introduced the unified emergency helpline number 112, replacing multiple numbers for police, fire, ambulance, disaster response, and women & child safety services.

This move aims to improve public access to emergency support and ensure quicker coordination among departments.

Centralised Emergency Response System

The 112 Emergency Response Centre will be managed by the Telangana Police and operate out of the Telangana State Integrated Command and Control Centre (TSICCC) in Banjara Hills, Hyderabad. The centre will coordinate with emergency partners such as the Fire Department, 108 ambulance services, Disaster Response Force, and SHE Teams.

“Emergencies are stressful, and we want to reduce that burden by providing prompt and professional service,” said Dr Jitender, Director General of Police, Telangana. “This is not just a helpline; it’s a commitment that no individual in Telangana should feel alone in a crisis.”

What Changes with 112?

Until now, citizens had to dial different numbers for different emergencies — 100 for police, 101 for fire, 102 or 108 for medical help. With the launch of 112, all these services are now brought under a single umbrella. When someone calls 112, the system routes the request to the relevant department based on the nature of the emergency.

The helpline also supports calls, SMS, email, and the 112 India mobile app, allowing users to trigger an alert even without speaking — a feature especially relevant for people in distress or danger.

Faster Coordination, Quicker Help

Officials say the integration will significantly reduce response time. “Earlier, a fire accident that required both police and ambulance support meant coordinating between multiple departments manually. With 112, a single call triggers simultaneous responses,” explained the statement.

Technology will also play a key role. The TSICCC is equipped with a geo-mapping interface, live city surveillance feeds, and a robust call triaging system to assess and direct emergencies to the right units.

Special Focus on Vulnerable Groups

The system has also been designed keeping in mind women, children, the elderly, and persons with disabilities, who are often more vulnerable in emergencies. Dedicated operators are being trained in crisis communication, and calls flagged as high-risk — such as distress calls from women — will be prioritised.

“The unified helpline is also integrated with the SHE Teams and Bharosa Centres, ensuring continuity of care from the time of crisis to legal and emotional support,” the statement read.

Awareness and Accessibility

The Telangana Police will soon begin public awareness campaigns through schools, colleges, public transport, and social media to familiarise citizens with the new number.

“We are focusing on accessibility and public trust,” said Dr Jitender. “The success of 112 will depend on how comfortable and confident people feel in reaching out for help.”

How to Reach 112

Call: 112 from any mobile or landline

SMS: Text to 112

App: ‘112 India’ app (available on Android and iOS)

Email: support.112@telangana.gov.in (example; confirm exact contact in real deployment)

With the introduction of 112, Telangana joins the list of states adopting India’s nationwide emergency response system. It marks a move towards unified, tech-enabled, and citizen-focused policing in the state.