Toyota Mobility Foundation picks 5 finalists for $3 million challenge to improve crowd management in Varanasi
The challenge has been created in partnership with the Varanasi Municipal Corporation, Challenge Works, and the World Resources Institute (WRI). It aims to address critical crowd flow issues through the narrow lanes of the city. The shortlisted solutions showcase a combination of technologies such as AI, big data, and real-time navigation with human-centred urban design.
Three of the finalists are from India, while the remaining two are from the US and the Netherlands. From the Indian entries, VOGIC AI introduced the Behtar-Way platform that offers real-time, hyperlocal pedestrian navigation and crowd intelligence for city officials; Premeya Consulting (India) introduced the Nayichaal system that integrates signage, an AI chatbot, and a mobility dashboard to create a safer pedestrian experience; and The Urbanizer showcased Jan Jatra solutions that combine community-driven wayfinding and tactical urbanism to guide pilgrims and visitors.
Meanwhile, Arcadis from the Netherlands showed SANKALP, which uses real-time data, mobile tech, and simulations to shift from reactive to proactive crowd management. On the other hand, CITYDATA.ai from the US presented the CityFlow platform that uses generative AI and big data to monitor and manage crowds without additional hardware.
Talking about the challenge, TMF's executive program director, Pras Ganesh, said, 'We're excited to see these solutions brought to life, not only to improve movement in Kashi but also to serve as a benchmark for other heritage cities worldwide.'
'These solutions aim to enhance safety and preserve the cultural and spiritual fabric of the city,' said Akshat Verma, Municipal Commissioner and CEO of the Varanasi Smart City project. Verma said that the initiative sets a global benchmark for balancing tradition and innovation. Meanwhile, Avinash Dubedi from WRI added, 'This is about more than congestion; it's about enabling dignified movement for all, including those with special needs.'
TMF's Sustainable Cities Challenge is a three-year global initiative that is supporting urban mobility transformation in Varanasi, Detroit, and Venice. Final winners in each city will receive further funding in 2026 to scale their solutions. The $3 million is distributed as $50,000 for 10 semi-finalists to work on their early ideas, $130,000 for five finalists to build working solutions, and three winners will share $1.5 million to implement the best solutions in the city.
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