In a major move towards improving public transport experience, the Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) will soon launch a real-time vehicle tracking system. Beginning June, commuters will be able to track the movement of over 8,000 KSRTC buses using a newly developed mobile application.

This project, known as the Vehicle Tracking and Monitoring System (VTMS), aims to enhance transparency and reliability in bus operations, according to KSRTC. Commuters will be able to view live locations of buses, plan their journeys better, and reduce uncertainty during long waits at bus stops—especially in cities and rural parts of Karnataka.

Speaking to The Hindu, Karnataka Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy said that the new system would benefit lakhs of passengers each day. “This is particularly helpful for those using shuttle services within city limits as well as those waiting for rural buses. Passengers will be able to see exactly where the bus is and how long it will take to reach them,” he said.

Highlighting KSRTC integrating technology in transport services, Mr. Reddy added, “KSRTC has always taken the lead in adopting innovative solutions. The VTMS is part of our larger plan to incorporate IT into all aspects of public transport operations.”

Vehicle Location Tracking and emergency buttons

According to a senior KSRTC official, the entire fleet will be fitted with high-tech tracking devices. These buses will be integrated with VTMS and will include Vehicle Location Tracking Devices (VLTD) along with emergency alert buttons. “Each bus will have a device that relays its real-time location to a central control system. A mobile application being developed will allow passengers to track this live feed easily,” the official explained.

The VTMS rollout will also involve the installation of advanced onboard units in buses. The official noted that 1,286 buses, along with 50 electric buses already fitted with AIS 140 (Automotive Industry Standard) compliant systems. A dedicated command and control centre will oversee fleet movement and respond to incidents, ensuring efficient and safe operations.

“The system leverages a mix of Global Positioning System (GPS), Information and Communication Technology (ICT), data analytics, and mobile platforms. The integration will allow for continuous data flow and monitoring, making bus operations more predictable and secure,” official said.

Accident monitoring feature

Interestingly, KSRTC studied Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited’s (HPCL) real-time truck tracking model as part of its research for developing this project. The total investment for the initiative is estimated to be ₹30 crore, with the Union government funding 60% and the State government contributing the remaining 40%, official added.

The VTMS project will also include an accident monitoring feature. “The system will help track incidents of speeding, deviations from approved routes, and other operational irregularities. This is aimed at not only improving safety but also reducing the overall accident rate, which could significantly cut the corporation’s operational costs,” official said.

The move follows a similar initiative by the Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC), which introduced the “Namma BMTC” mobile application in 2023. The app enables real-time tracking of around 5,200 BMTC buses operating within Bengaluru city.

The “Namma BMTC” app has been useful for urban commuters by helping them locate nearby bus stops, plan routes by entering their start and end points, and view amenities available at bus stations and Transit and Traffic Management Centres (TTMCs). The app also features an emergency SOS button, a direct call centre link, and the ability to share live location through social media. Users can provide feedback, access the websites of BMTC, and even purchase passes under the “My ticket/passes” section.