To avert a ban in the Indian state of Maharashtra, Uber will give its customers a "panic button" app to contact the police in case Uber driver misbehave or threatens them.

Riders in Mumbai and Pune can download the Uber app on Feb 11.

Uber's giving Indian customers a "panic button" app was prompted by a rape complaint filed by a passenger against an Uber driver last month.  Pending investigation, Indian authorities have decided to temporarily suspend Uber services in the country's capital of New Delhi.

Like Us on Facebook

A local paper, Times of India stated that the state transport commissioner of Maharashtra, Mahesh Zagade is thinking of recommending a ban on Uber.

Aside from the panic button app, Uber announced it's handing out all of their drivers' data to the Indan police. It's also making its own checks on its drivers through a screening firm, First Advantage.

India would rather have Uber install a physical panic button in the vehicle, however. Uber said a lot of Uber drivers are freelancers and are working with various transport companies. Installing panic button software instead of a physical one is more feasible, according to Uber.

The transport app company also promised to put a team in place that will "assist local law enforcement officers during distress situations."

Such safety measures, including the installation of a panic button, were supposed to be in place last January.  So far, only the panic button app has been complied with.  If authorities aren't satisfied by the compliance, the Uber ban on India may still push through.

In the United States, Uber drivers have also been accused of various offenses ranging from discrimination to physical assault against passengers. Competition from rival companies like Google also threatens to undermine its business.

TagsUber, Uber News, Uber Latest News, Uber India, Uber ban, Uber Panic Button, Uber app, Uber Panic Button App, Uber Complaints