Maharashtra State Transport on Thursday announced the launch of ‘Smart Buses’ to enhance the travel experience and to make the journey safer.
State Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik, while speaking during a meeting of bus manufacturing companies, announced the procurement of 3,000 new buses for better connectivity.
The meeting was attended by representatives from bus manufacturing companies, ST Corporation Vice Chairman and Managing Director Dr Madhav Kusekar, and other key departmental heads, officials said.
Sarnaik also stated that all new buses, including the ‘Lalpari’ (red buses), will be fitted with integrated modern technologies such as AI-based cameras, GPS systems, LED TVs, Wi-Fi, driver breathalyser systems, and anti-theft technology-based bus lock systems. These additions aim to make the bus journey significantly safer and more comfortable for passengers.
Considering the recent incident of sexual assault at Swargate bus station in Maharashtra`s Pune, passenger safety will be given utmost importance, officials said, adding that to prevent any untoward incidents during travel, CCTV cameras will be installed inside the buses. These cameras will also monitor the driver`s behavior and driving skills.
Buses parked at depots and in surrounding areas will be fully secured with systems that keep them locked, ensuring safety even when not in use. The new buses will also be equipped with LED TVs, which will serve multiple purposes, an official statement said.
The feature is particularly beneficial as it allows travelers to receive updates on matters such as international news, weather forecasts, and emergency alerts while they are on the move. The plan also includes the installation of LED displays on the exterior of the buses.
The external displays will be used for advertising purposes, which not only enhances visibility but also helps the corporation generate additional revenue through advertising partnerships.
The innovative steps will contribute significantly to the financial sustainability of the public transportation system.
Recently, with the increase in temperatures, there have been several incidents of buses catching fire, which has raised concerns about passenger safety. To address this growing issue, foam-based fire suppression systems will be installed in the new buses.
An official statement said that the advanced systems are designed to detect the origin of a fire as soon as it starts and will deploy foam to quickly extinguish the flames, minimising damage and danger. The foam-based system is more effective than traditional fire-fighting methods, particularly in situations where immediate action is required to control the spread of fire. The initiative is a proactive measure aimed at reducing fire-related accidents, ensuring the safety of both passengers and the bus fleet.
