Global tender likely for smart' KSRTC

Thiruvananthapuram: The government is likely to go in for a global tender for a project to implement various smart systems in the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC), including mobile tracking of buses and live updation of ticketing status.

Even though various total solution providers (TSPs) of the state government earlier submitted projects in this regard, the government is considering the option of going for global tender in the wake of certain allegations regarding the proposals of the TSPs. Moreover, more innovative solutions at attractive conditions may be available if they go in for global tendering, government sources said, adding that a decision on the matter was still pending with the government.

The Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC), Uralungal Labour Contact Cooperative Society and Keltron had proposed various models for the implementation of smart systems. The C-DAC's plan was to make use of the solutions being offered by various startups in the state.

One of the highlights of the proposed project was a mobile app that enables real time tracking of KSRTC buses. Passengers waiting at bus stands could track the arrival of buses and could also reserve seats through the proposed app. Real-time updation of ticket sales by linking the ticketing machines with the KSRTC server was another component. It could ensure that there was no manipulation in ticket sales.

Software applications for fleet management by analysing demands of various routes, tracking the driving habits of drivers and management of purchase + spare parts were the other components of the project. In was also proposed to get revenue for KSRTC from advertisements in information display boards inside buses as well as bus stands.