About 11,400 taxis in Chongqing municipality are to be equipped with voice and picture recording devices, and electronic certifications will be required for taxi drivers, Chongqing Daily reported Tuesday.

The largest-scale revamp of the taxi industry, at a cost of 60 million yuan ($9.5 million), is to be established in Chongqing municipality this year, according to a statement issued Monday.

"Using electronic certifications, as the important part of information construction of the taxi industry, can ensure the safety of passengers and the improvement of service," said Chen Weidong, an official from the Chongqing traffic law enforcement brigade.

Chen said the electronic certification system can help prevent drivers from making detours or overcharging because driving distances, fees and routes are all being recorded.

"Passengers and drivers will be monitored after recording equipment is installed," Chen said. "We will refer to the recordings when there are disputes."