By – Narayan Mishra Co-founder & CTO at Tummoc – India’s first multi-modal patented public transport app
India’s public transportation system serves as a crucial lifeline, catering to the transportation needs of millions across bustling urban centres and far-flung regions alike. However, ensuring the well-being and safety of passengers has remained a longstanding concern for both commuters and transit authorities. To address these pressing issues, technology emerges as a game-changer, introducing groundbreaking solutions that prioritise passenger protection and instil a sense of confidence. This article delves into how cutting-edge technologies are revolutionising safety measures in Indian public transit, with a keen focus on enhancing passenger welfare.
The Imperative of Augmented Safety in Indian Public Transit
India’s transport network is extensive, with roads ranking third in length globally, after China and the United States. However, the current road infrastructure is inadequate to support rapid economic growth, leading to poor road conditions, urban traffic congestion, and unreliable and unsafe public transport. The railway network lacks new investment, and ports need modernisation and better connectivity. Road safety is a major concern, with India experiencing high road fatalities and air pollution due to increasing vehicle numbers. Moreover, incidents of theft and public nuisance are also rampant across the country.
Technology as the Catalyst for Transforming Public Transit Safety
The dissemination of technology has played a pivotal role in revolutionising traffic management, empowering the implementation of intelligent solutions that have far-reaching benefits. Through real-time traffic monitoring, traffic authorities gain comprehensive insights into the dynamic traffic conditions, allowing them to make informed decisions and take prompt actions to ease congestion and ensure smooth traffic flow.
Advancing Security with Advanced Surveillance
By harnessing AI technology, companies can ensure that no important events go unnoticed or get overlooked. This advanced system empowers businesses to take their video security to the next level, giving them peace of mind and confidence in their ability to maintain a safe and secure environment. With AI as a reliable partner, companies can focus their human resources on other critical tasks while enhancing their overall security measures.
Real-Time Communication and Emergency Response
Incident reporting is a critical aspect of safety, enabling the identification and prevention of hazards, adherence to regulations, and learning from past experiences. However, conventional methods like paper forms or emails can be time-consuming, inefficient, and error-prone. This is where the introduction of phone apps or notification systems proves valuable, offering a more efficient and streamlined approach to incident reporting.
Empowering Safety through Biometric Solutions
One of the key advantages of biometrics is its positive impact on the passenger experience. By leveraging facial recognition technology, travellers can effortlessly progress through airport processes. This translates to shorter queues, expedited boarding, and a more hassle-free journey for passengers overall.
Integrating Artificial Intelligence for Enhanced Safety
AI plays a crucial role in detecting suspicious behaviour and objects, preventing potential threats from entering public spaces. By utilising facial recognition technology, airports can quickly and accurately identify individuals, ensuring their provided information matches their actual identity. This robust security measure not only enhances safety but also provides travellers with greater peace of mind during their travel experience. As technology continues to advance, AI-based security solutions hold immense promise in creating safer and more secure public spaces for everyone.
Ensuring Data Privacy and Compliance
In technology-driven safety measures, data privacy and responsible use of passenger information are crucial concerns. Companies and transit authorities prioritise data security through encryption and access controls, ensuring passenger information remains confidential and protected. Compliance with regulations is a top priority, and transparency is maintained by keeping passengers informed about data collection practices. These efforts aim to build and maintain passenger trust in the safety systems, ensuring a secure and reliable transportation experience for everyone.
Collaborative Efforts between Technology Providers and Public Transit Authorities
The partnership between technology providers and public transit authorities plays a vital role in implementing safety solutions. Technology providers bring innovation, while transit authorities possess valuable knowledge about the system’s unique challenges. By collaborating, they create customised safety measures that fit the transit system seamlessly. This joint effort ensures the smooth integration of technology into the existing infrastructure, effectively enhancing safety. It also allows for fine-tuning and optimisation of solutions, making public transportation safer and more reliable for passengers, and fostering trust in the system.
Encouraging Public Participation in Safety Initiatives
The betterment of safety in public transit relies on collective efforts, with active participation from passengers playing a pivotal role. By promptly reporting incidents and utilising safety features, passengers empower transit authorities to respond swiftly and address potential risks, fostering a safer environment for all. Moreover, valuable feedback from passengers helps improve security measures, ensuring continuous enhancements to the transportation system’s safety protocols.
Conclusion
Amid the evolution of India’s public transit system, one aspect stands paramount – the safety and security of its passengers. As technology continues to advance, new opportunities arise to address safety challenges effectively. By embracing cutting-edge solutions like AI-powered surveillance, real-time communication, and biometric authentication, India can forge a safer and more secure public transit network. Collaboration between technology providers and transit authorities will play a crucial role in shaping a future where passengers can travel with confidence, knowing that their well-being is the top priority.
