Google has officially activated its Android Emergency Location Service (ELS) in India, marking a major step toward improving emergency response and public safety. The rollout begins with Uttar Pradesh, where the service is now live for emergency calls made to 112, India’s all-in-one emergency helpline.
The Android Emergency Location Service is designed to automatically share a caller’s real-time location with emergency services during a distress call or emergency SMS. By transmitting precise location data without requiring user input, the system helps emergency responders reach people faster, especially in situations where callers are unable to clearly explain their location.
What is Android Emergency Location Service (ELS)?
Android Emergency Location Service is a built-in safety feature on Android smartphones that sends accurate location information to emergency responders when an emergency call is placed. Instead of relying solely on verbal descriptions, ELS uses a combination of GPS, Wi-Fi signals, and mobile network data to determine the device’s location.
According to Google, ELS can often pinpoint a user’s location within approximately 50 metres, significantly improving accuracy compared to traditional call-based location tracking. In addition to latitude and longitude, the service may also share contextual information such as the device’s language setting, helping emergency operators communicate more effectively during critical situations.
ELS activates only during emergency calls or messages and is designed with privacy and security safeguards, ensuring location data is shared temporarily and only with authorised emergency services.
ELS Rollout in Uttar Pradesh
Uttar Pradesh is the first state in India to fully operationalise Android Emergency Location Service. The integration has been implemented by the Uttar Pradesh Police, with technical support from Pert Telecom Solutions. The system is now linked directly to the state’s emergency response infrastructure, enabling faster dispatch of police, medical, and rescue services.
The service is already active in over 60 countries worldwide, and its launch in India is expected to strengthen digital emergency services, location-based safety technology, and smart policing initiatives. Google is likely to expand ELS to more Indian states in the coming months as local emergency systems complete integration.
With this rollout, Android Emergency Location Service has the potential to save lives by reducing response times, making emergency assistance more reliable and accessible across India.
