The Greater Chennai City Police helplines for senior citizens — the toll free helpline 1253 as well as the Bandham helpline 9499957575 — have received 3,433 calls for assistance so far this year.
The toll-free senior citizen helpline 1253 has been operated by the Greater Chennai Police since 2004, and it offers emergency help, medical aid, and safety support. The helpline was launched for the purpose of rendering assistance to senior citizens aged 60 years and above. The police said 2,242 calls were received on this helpline; 17 of them were for legal assistance and hence, they were forwarded to the police inspectors concerned. Others calls related to assistance from the other departments were also received, and they were forwarded to the authorities concerned, a press release stated.
Another initiative called Bandham was launched by the Greater Chennai Police in 2024 to render a compassionate support system, designed specifically for senior citizens aged 75 and above. It provides assistance across a range of needs — from medical emergencies to legal aid and emotional support.
Over 1,191 calls have been received through the Bandham helpline so far this year, and assistance was rendered within 72 hours, said the release.
Published – August 23, 2025 11:12 am IST
