BMTC Onboard Tech To Be Rolled Out on 500 Buses to Aid Visually Impaired Riders

The BMTC Onboard tech is set to be implemented in 500 buses in Bangalore by August 2025.

Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) is implementing BMTC Onboard, a user-friendly assistive device on 500 buses by August 2025.

The initiative aims to make city buses more inclusive for visually impaired commuters.

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BMTC Onboard: Pilot Success Leads to City-Wide Rollout

• Initial Test: OnBoard devices were piloted on 25 buses running on routes 401K and 401R.
  
• Expansion Plan: Encouraged by positive feedback, BMTC is now scaling up. 100 more buses are already equipped, and 400 additional units are due by mid-July, completing deployment across 500 buses by August 2025.

How BMTC Onboard Works on the Road

• Two-Part System: The commuter holds a hand-held remote, while the bus is fitted with a communication unit near the front door glass
  
• Interactive Announcements: Pressing “Find” triggers an audio route announcement via the bus speaker. A match can be confirmed with “Select,” which alerts the driver and conductor to help the passenger board; similarly for alighting
  
• Range & Accuracy: The system works within a 30-metre radius and has been tested to function reliably under different weather conditions

Next Steps & Scalability

• BMTC plans to prioritise high-footfall routes like 401K, 401R, 401M, 410FA, 410FG—the key corridors for visually impaired commuters
  
• Development involved collaboration with Continental Automotive India, IIT Delhi, Raised Lines Foundation, and Enable India—a strong public–private–academic partnership
  
• The project has garnered interest from other states, positioning OnBoard as a benchmark for inclusive transit

Why BMTC Onboard Matters

• In a city bus environment, visually impaired passengers often struggle to identify the correct bus—OnBoard reduces reliance on others, delivering independence, safety, and confidence.
  
• The system also benefits other commuters by reducing boarding errors and improving passenger flow at busy stops.

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Bottom Line

BMTC’s decision to install BMTC Onboard on 500 buses by August 2025 marks a milestone in inclusive transport. 

This project demonstrates how accessible mobility solutions can scale rapidly with the right partnerships, setting the stage for wider adoption across India’s bus networks.