Mumbai: The Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) will soon deploy 3,000 new buses equipped with smart technologies. State Transport Minister and MSRTC Chairman Pratap Sarnaik shared details of the plan during a recent meeting with bus manufacturers.
The new buses will feature AI-enabled surveillance systems to enhance security and ensure better monitoring of driver conduct. Each bus will be fitted with CCTV cameras referred to as the “third eye” by the minister to help monitor onboard activities and discourage misconduct. Sarnaik emphasised that passenger safety and driver accountability remain central to the plan.
GPS tracking will also be installed to monitor real-time location and ensure schedule adherence. This is aimed at improving punctuality and reducing service disruptions across routes.
Fire Safety, Breath Analysers Among Key Features
Responding to growing concerns over bus fires, particularly during summer months, MSRTC will install automatic fire suppression systems in the new fleet. These systems are designed to detect and extinguish fires quickly, offering a higher degree of safety in transit.
The buses will also include breath analysers to assess the fitness of drivers before duty, an anti-theft system, and systems to ensure buses remain locked when parked at terminals and depots.
LED Screens to Relay Official Updates, Not Just Ads
The upgraded buses will feature LED screens, both inside and outside. Internally, these will be used for news updates and government messages from central and state authorities. Externally, the panels will be used for advertisement placements, expected to generate auxiliary revenue for MSRTC.
Technology Push Aims to Improve Reliability
Officials believe that integrating smart technologies will lead to better service reliability by reducing human error and improving operational transparency. While the announcement highlights a step toward modernisation, the actual rollout timeline and funding mechanism for these upgrades have yet to be fully detailed.
The move comes at a time when public transport systems across India are exploring tech-based solutions to enhance safety and efficiency, in line with broader digital transformation goals in governance.
