Mumbai: Maharashtra government is leveraging cutting-edge technology to enhance the safety of passengers travelling in state transport (ST) buses.  

Emphasising that ST buses, which ferry an average of 5.5 million passengers daily, should become safer, Maharashtra deputy chief minister Eknath Shinde said, an integrated safety system (ISS)-based on AI technology will be installed in new buses.

Shinde was speaking on May 28 after inspecting the IT security system installed in the Smart Buses deployed by the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) between Thane and Nagpur in Thane. Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik and senior MSRTC officials were also present on this occasion.

Along with CCTV cameras that monitor the driver's driving style and the movements of passengers sitting in the bus, WiFi, LED screens, GPS systems, and a foam-based fire suppression system will also be installed in the buses.

The ISS will enable women to travel safely and will make it easier for the driver to drive. The buses will also have a siren which will activate in case the driver is driving under the influence of alcohol or falls asleep while driving.

Shinde praised Sarnaik for taking the lead in increasing the safety of ST buses.

The Smart Buses have been installed with Advanced Driver Assistance System and driver monitoring cameras. It has also been installed with blind spot cameras that provide 360-degree information to the driver.

To enhance the safety of passengers, two cameras have been installed at the front and rear of the bus. Also, a driver assistance screen, mobile GPS tracking system, LCD screen and public announcement system have also been installed.