Idukki, the most spectacular tourist destination in Kerala, will soon have an Intelligent Public Transport Management System (I-TRAV) ensuring safety and timely services of both private and KSRTC buses operating in the hilly terrains of the district.
The Motor Vehicles Department has decided to implement the Intelligent Public Transport Management System (I-TRAV) in Idukki marking a major step toward digitising and modernising stage carriage operations in the hill district.
According to a senior MVD official, the proposed I-TRAV system is designed to improve road safety, ensure regulatory compliance and enhance operational efficiency of public transport services. Given Idukki’s challenging terrain and heavy reliance on buses, a real-time, technology-driven monitoring platform is essential to ensure strict service delivery by the transport buses. “The department has partnered with Kerala Startup Mission (KSUM) to select a startup for developing and implementing the I-TRAV system which will feature a web-based, modular architecture integrating route management, geo-mapping, artificial intelligence-based analytics and performance dashboards,” the official said.
The system will undertake real-time monitoring of the buses that operate in the district detecting delays, skipped trips, route deviations and unauthorised halts. The real-time dashboards will provide district-level and depot-level insights, including punctuality and route compliance indicators. An Android application is also planned to support real-time bus tracking and future digital fare collection systems, including concessions for students.
It will also have live bus monitoring, public-facing mobile applications, display boards at bus stands and digital fare systems using cards or QR codes.
“Once project is rolled out in Idukki, it will be expanded to all districts in Kerala in a phased manner. The system will ensure strict compliance of rules and regulations by public transport buses operating in the state,” the official added.
