logo
KSRTC rolls out real-time bus tracking system

KSRTC rolls out real-time bus tracking system

Time of India08-05-2025

Vehicle Tracking and Monitoring System
KSRTC
From now on, passengers will be able to check departure times for buses, track buses that have left other stations, and know when they will arrive at their destination ­
–KSRTC official
The Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) is rolling out a(VTMS) that will enable passengers to access real-time information on bus schedules and locations right at their fingertips. Aofficial said, 'From now on, passengers will be able to check departure times for buses, track buses that have left other stations, and know when they will arrive at their destination.'Passengers will soon be able to track the movement of KSRTC buses in real time, thanks to a new GPS-enabled tracking system set to be implemented across the state.Inspired by the Railway Ministry's live tracking model, KSRTC plans to introduce a mobile app that allows users to check departure times, track buses from other stations, and estimate arrival times at their destination.The VTMS will use GPS-based devices installed in 8,800 buses, including those with and without advance booking facilities. The app will allow passengers to enter the bus registration number and trip code to receive accurate service details, including route and fare information. Real-time updates will also be available at bus stations, helping passengers plan their travel more efficiently.One of the key advantages of the new system is improved safety. KSRTC officials said the system will be integrated with the corporation's 24/7 Command Centre, which will monitor bus movements and issue safety alerts to drivers—particularly during night shifts. 'VTMS will be a key tool in preventing accidents,' the official added. 'The app will send alerts to ensure drivers follow safe practices.'A study conducted by Hindustan Petroleum Corporation has supported the use of real-time tracking to enhance road safety and operational efficiency. The system is also expected to help improve fuel usage and reduce unnecessary stops, contributing to better overall fleet management.The project, estimated at ₹30 crore, is being jointly funded by the state and central governments, with 60% of the funding coming from the state. Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy said, 'By implementing VTMS, we aim to increase transparency and reliability in KSRTC operations. Passengers will benefit from real-time updates, improving convenience and saving time.'Officials added that the system will also allow KSRTC to monitor driver behaviour, track speed, check for route deviations, and ensure buses are not stopping unnecessarily at hotels or bypassing designated stations.KSRTC believes the new tracking system will be a game-changer for both passengers and the corporation alike.

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Karnataka Transport Department partners with JICA for digital transformation
Karnataka Transport Department partners with JICA for digital transformation

The Hindu

time20 hours ago

  • The Hindu

Karnataka Transport Department partners with JICA for digital transformation

In a move to modernise and digitise its transport infrastructure, the Transport Department has partnered with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) to co-develop a comprehensive Transport Tech Stack aimed at enhancing operational efficiency and public service delivery, according to Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy. Following a meeting with a JICA delegation, led by Yushi Nagano, head of JICA DxLab, on Saturday, Mr. Reddy said the initiative marks a 'digital leap in transport'. 'The collaboration will focus on building a unified digital infrastructure for all modes of transport using open data and real-time analytics, thereby supporting smarter governance and greater transparency,' he said. The proposed stack will enable the integration of open APIs, provide real-time insights into transport operations, and empower stakeholders, including citizens, start-ups, and policymakers. 'The aim is to streamline services, reduce leakages, and unlock innovation within the State's urban mobility framework,' he added.

FASTag glitches on Bengaluru-Mysuru highway cause delays, spark outrage
FASTag glitches on Bengaluru-Mysuru highway cause delays, spark outrage

The Hindu

time20 hours ago

  • The Hindu

FASTag glitches on Bengaluru-Mysuru highway cause delays, spark outrage

Malfunctioning FASTag scanners at toll plazas on the Bengaluru-Mysuru access-controlled highway are causing significant traffic delays and frustration among daily commuters. Regular users of the route, including bus drivers and private vehicle owners, alleged that the scanners often fail to read FASTag devices, forcing manual intervention that results in long pile-ups, particularly during peak hours and weekends. A Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) driver who travels between Bengaluru and Mysuru daily, said the issue has persisted for the past 20 days. 'The FASTag scanners don't read the tag on our bus. We have to wait for almost five minutes for the toll staff to intervene and scan it manually. This happens frequently, and it affects not just buses but all kinds of vehicles,' he said. He added, 'Due to these delays, I often get stuck at the toll plaza for nearly 30 minutes and miss my schedule. Passengers get agitated, and we are unable to stick to the timetable.' Commuters also report that these issues lead to heavy congestion at Kaniminike Sheshagiri Halli toll plazas and other key toll booths along the stretch. Mahesh Kumar, a commuter from Mandya, recalled a recent experience at the Kaniminike toll plaza. 'My FASTag wasn't being read. After five minutes, a staff member there told me the problem was with my FASTag and made me pay in cash, including a fine. But I had recharged the tag and had enough balance,' he said. 'When I returned from Mandya to Bengaluru later the same day, the same issue occurred. This time, I insisted it wasn't my fault. They scanned it manually and it worked. Clearly, the error was from the toll plaza's side,' he added. Weekend travellers are particularly affected, with many saying that delays have become part of the routine. Yakshith B.R., a resident of Kengeri, said, 'Even when I leave home as early as 6 a.m. on Saturdays, I still get stuck in traffic at the toll plaza. The FASTag system often fails, and vehicles start queuing up quickly. It's frustrating.' Many commuters are now urging the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to take swift action. They are demanding improved sensor technology, regular maintenance, and better on-ground coordination. Some even suggest that NHAI should consider temporarily opening toll gates when scanner errors occur, to ease congestion. 'If the FASTag system is failing regularly, especially during peak-traffic hours, the least NHAI can do is wave vehicles through when there is a technical fault. Commuters should not be penalised for system errors,' said Venkatesh P., a regular commuter in this stretch and a resident of Vijayanagar. When contacted, officials from the NHAI said they had not received formal complaints but assured that the matter would be investigated. 'We have not come across any specific complaints about FASTag scanner failures on the Bengaluru-Mysuru highway recently. However, we will look into it and take appropriate action,' an NHAI official said, declining to comment on the technical reasons for the recurring problem.

Technopark employees urge KSRTC to resume weekend long-distance bus services
Technopark employees urge KSRTC to resume weekend long-distance bus services

Time of India

time2 days ago

  • Time of India

Technopark employees urge KSRTC to resume weekend long-distance bus services

Thiruvananthapuram: With increasing weekend travel difficulties, those working at Technopark have demanded the resumption of weekend long-distance KSRTC bus services from the campus. These services were halted during the pandemic and never reinstated. The techies are set to meet KSRTC MD on June 7 to address the issue. Before the pandemic, KSRTC operated multiple weekend buses connecting Technopark to major parts of the state. However, after the shift to remote work during the lockdown, the services were discontinued and have not resumed even after most companies returned to hybrid or full office work modes. "Employees are now back in the office, but KSRTC has not resumed the weekend services," said Rajeev Krishnan, convenor of Prathidwani, the socio-cultural and welfare organisation of IT employees in Technopark. "This has forced many to rely on trains, where getting a confirmed ticket over the weekend is a constant struggle. Restoring KSRTC services will ease this burden and encourage safer, more reliable travel options," he added. In response to growing concerns, a delegation from Prathidwani met transport minister K B Ganesh Kumar in Feb this year to raise the issue. The minister assured the delegation that the matter would be examined. However, services were not reinstated. A Thrissur-bound service was started but was also halted, citing an insufficient number of passengers. "Long queues at railway stations, last-minute cancellations and overcrowded compartments have made travel unpredictable and stressful," said Jayakrishna R, joint executive committee member of KSRTC Forum in Prathidwani. Sources within KSRTC acknowledged the growing demand and admitted that resuming these services was under consideration. "We will look into the issue and will come up with a solution soon. The outcome of the meeting with the KSRTC MD will be critical in determining whether the long-pending service gets the green light for reintroduction," said a senior KSRTC official. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Eid wishes , messages , and quotes !

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store