Pune: Smart AI-Based E-Buses To Join MSRTC Fleet Soon, Says Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik
Pune: Smart AI-Based E-Buses To Join MSRTC Fleet Soon, Says Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik
Pune, June 11: Maharashtra Transport Minister and Chairman of the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC), Pratap Sarnaik, announced that AI-enabled Smart E-Buses with integrated safety systems will soon be inducted into the ST fleet. The move aligns with the state government’s push to promote electric vehicles.
Speaking at a media interaction during the presentation of the Smart E-Bus model, Minister Sarnaik stated that the MSRTC has adopted the state’s EV policy and has planned to procure 5,000 self-owned buses in the coming years, with a minimum of 1,000 electric buses added annually. These new e-buses will be equipped with AI-based integrated safety systems, he confirmed.
Referring to a demo model previously developed for the Uttar Pradesh State Transport Corporation, Sarnaik mentioned that multiple manufacturers will be invited to present competitive prototypes for the upcoming e-bus procurements.
The Smart E-Buses will include AI-powered CCTV cameras to monitor driver behavior in real time. If a driver shows signs of drowsiness, yawns, falls asleep, or uses a mobile phone while driving, the system will alert passengers and trigger a warning alarm, enhancing in-transit safety.
To enhance women’s security, each bus will have two CCTV cameras monitoring passenger movement. Sarnaik also emphasized the need for foam-based fire extinguishing systems to handle emergencies like sudden fires.
He further noted that, in light of the Swargate incident, the new buses will have a mechanism that prevents locked buses from being forcibly opened by external tampering. Any such attempt will automatically trigger a danger alarm, making these smart e-buses a major leap in safe and intelligent public transport.
