In order to improve the public transport experience, the Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) will soon launch a real-time vehicle tracking system. Starting in June, commuters will be able to use newly developed mobile apps to track the movement of over 8,000 KSRTC buses.
According to KSRTC, the project is called Vehicle Tracking and Monitoring System (VTM), aims to improve transparency and reliability of bus operations. Commuters will be able to view bus live locations, plan their journeys better, and reduce uncertainty at long-awaited bus stops, especially in urban and rural areas of Karnataka.
Speech HinduKarnataka Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy said the new system will benefit hundreds of thousands of passengers every day. “This is especially useful for those who use shuttle services within the city limits and wait for rural buses. Passengers will be able to see exactly where the buses are and how long it will take to get there,” he said.
Mr Reddy stressed that KSRTC integrates technology into transportation services, adding: “KSRTC has always led the adoption of innovative solutions. VTMS is part of our larger plan to incorporate it into all aspects of public transport operations.”
Vehicle position tracking and emergency buttons
According to a senior KSRTC official, the entire fleet will be equipped with high-tech tracking equipment. These buses will be integrated with VTM and will include a Vehicle Location Tracking Device (VLTD) as well as an Emergency Alert Button. “Every bus will have a device that transfers its real-time location to a central control system. The mobile app under development will allow passengers to easily track this live feed,” the official explained.
The VTMS launch will also involve the installation of advanced airborne units in buses. The official noted that there are 1,286 buses and 50 electric buses already equipped with the AIS 140 (auto industry standard) system. A dedicated command and control center will monitor the movement of the convoy and respond to events to ensure efficient and safe operation.
“The system utilizes a combination of Global Positioning Systems (GPS), Information and Communication Technology (ICT), data analytics and mobile platforms. The integration will allow continuous data flow and monitoring, making bus operations more predictable and secure,” the official said.
Accident monitoring function
Interestingly, KSRTC studied the real-time truck tracking model of Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) as part of its research to develop the project. The total investment in the scheme is estimated at Rs 3 billion, with the coalition government contributing the remaining 40% for 60% of the funding and the state government, officials added.
The VTMS project will also include accident monitoring functions. “The system will help track speeding events, deviations from approved routes, and other operational violations. This is designed not only to improve safety, but also to reduce the overall accident rate, which could significantly reduce the company’s operating costs,” the official said.
The move comes after a similar program by Bengaluru Metropolitan Transportation Corporation (BMTC), which introduced the “Namma BMTC” mobile app in 2023. The app can track around 5,200 BMTC buses operating within Bangladesh cities in real time.
The “NAMMA BMTC” app is useful for urban commuters by helping them find nearby bus stops, plan routes by entering their start and end points, and viewing facilities available at bus stops and at the Transportation and Traffic Management Centers (TTMCS). The app also has emergency SOS buttons, direct call center links, and the ability to share real-time locations through social media. Users can provide feedback, visit BMTC’s website, and even purchase passes under the My Tickets/Pass section.
publishing – April 10, 2025 at 09:28 pm IST
