Daijiworld Media Network- Bengaluru

Bengaluru, Jul 13: In a major step towards promoting inclusivity in public transport, the Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) has joined hands with Continental, a leading technology firm, to roll out ‘OnBoard’, a smart assistive technology designed for the visually impaired.

Following the successful implementation of the pilot project in 2023—where 25 BMTC buses were equipped with the system under Continental’s CSR initiative—the project has now been expanded to over 100 buses, with plans to cover 500 buses by August 2025.

Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy formally launched the initiative on Saturday and witnessed a live demonstration of the technology. The device was developed at IIT Delhi and is being facilitated by the Raised Lines Foundation, a non-profit incubated at IIT.

The innovative device allows visually impaired individuals to identify bus route numbers and locate entry door positions using audio prompts broadcasted from speakers mounted on the buses. This helps enhance independent mobility and accessibility for the visually challenged.

Currently, the technology has been installed on BMTC route numbers 401K and 401R, with plans to equip 400 more buses by mid-July.

Speaking at the launch, BMTC Managing Director R Ramachandran said, “This is a flagship initiative for inclusive urban mobility in Bengaluru. At BMTC, we are committed to making public transport accessible to all. The deployment of this technology across our fleet will bring a significant transformation in how people with visual disabilities commute.”

The collaboration between BMTC, Continental, IIT Delhi, and the Raised Lines Foundation reflects a broader commitment to inclusive city infrastructure and digital empowerment of the differently abled.

The full rollout of OnBoard devices across 500 buses is expected to be completed by August 2025, making Bengaluru one of the first Indian cities to adopt assistive technology at this scale in its public transport network.