BMTC calls tender for driver-alert system on 50 Bengaluru buses

BMTC has called a tender to install cameras and sensors on 50 buses that can flag a drowsy or distracted driver, a pedestrian in the bus’s path, a possible forward collision or an unintended lane departure.

The Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) pilot is intended to improve safety for passengers and other road users. Each bus will carry a road-facing camera, a driver-monitoring camera and two side cameras, along with sensors, an on-board processing unit, storage and connectivity.

The driver-facing system is designed to detect drowsiness, distraction, mobile-phone use and smoking. Road-facing equipment will identify collision, pedestrian and lane-related risks, then issue an alert to the driver.

The system will also send safety events to a central dashboard for BMTC officials to monitor. The selected agency must operate and maintain it for two years after it goes live. BMTC proposes a monthly rental payment per bus covering equipment, software, connectivity, maintenance, repairs and support.

A private company installed a similar system on 10 BMTC buses in 2023 as part of a CSR initiative. BMTC says it will evaluate the 50-bus pilot before considering wider deployment.