Minister of Transport Ramaling Redda, during the start of the “on -board” assistance facility BMTC in Bengalur on Saturday. | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
In a step towards inclusive public transport, Bengalur Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) began to deploy innovative equipment called “onboard”, which helps visually impaired commuting in the navigation of urban buses with greater ease and independence.
This technology, developed by the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi in cooperation with the raised line (RLF) foundation, is implemented with Continental Automotive Components India PVT. Ltd. and enable India, according to BMTC.
Officials said that its goal is to eliminate the need for visually impaired individuals to rely on passers -by at bus stops, reducing mental stress and improving self -confidence.
When he spoke of the Minister of Transport Ramaling Reddy, he said: “The on -board system is a progressive step towards authorizing visually impaired citizens to travel with dignity and independence.”
How does it work
The solution on board uses a two -piece communication system: a manual remote control with a commuting and receiving unit installed on BMTC buses, attached to the lower front glasses near the entrance door.
When the bus approaches, the visually impaired commuting presses the “Find” button on the remote control, prompting to collect its route number through the speaker. If the bus corresponds to the desired route, the commuting presses “select” and warns the driver and conductor that the visually impaired passengers are being prepared on board. “This ensures a longer stop for safer eating. The same method is used for landing because the passenger is approaching the goal,” Reddy said.
The key features of the device include: Warning users, when a selected bus is 30 meters, ensures safe and controlled boarding and output, weather -resistant design tested for rain, dust and heat durability.
The pilot project shows a promise
The pilot project started with 25 BMTC buses operating on routes 401K and 242B, which passengers often use. “As part of the pilot, 500 practical users received practical training, with 25 individuals actively tested the system. Feedback from these users was tremendously positive. Many of them showed increased confidence, less commuting and significantly improved experience,” the Minister said.
BMTC, supported by this, approved the installation of on -board devices in 500 buses across Bengalur, while another 100 devices have been installed since June 2025. Complete deployment is expected until August 2025.
Strategy of implementation and routes covered
According to BMTC, the initial integration of the device required several modifications to ensure compatibility with existing bus. After technical modifications and integration of the server, the installation started on 125 diesel buses on five routes: 401K (Yelahanka to Kengeri), 401R (Yelahanka on Kengeri), 401 m (Yeshwanthpur), 410FA (YESHWANTHPUR on Banashankari TTMC), 410fg (Yeshwanthpur per Nayansahpur (Yeshwanling to Nayasanholi).
According to BMTC officials, this initiative not only gained praise locally, but also began to attract interest from other countries investigating similar solutions. “We see a national shift in how we approach public transport infrastructure for people with disabilities,” BMTC official said.
Prashanth Dorswamy, president and CEO of Continental, said, “We believe that mobility must be inclusive and accessible. This partnership with BMTC is proof of what technology can do when it is driven by a sense of social responsibility.”
The Minister said, “We are inviting other traffic agencies and departments across the country to take note and implement similar solutions to ensure no one stays.”
Published – July 12, 2025 17:21
