Cloud-based solutions to revamp public transport in India

JnNURM (Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission) will enter the 2nd phase with an aim to modernize the public transport system in 67 cities of India. Icertis which is a provider of public transport management system sees $100 mn IT opportunity in India's public transport market.

The modernization process under JnNURM project opens up market for agile public transport management systems that are able to offer information on the routes, times, disaster, emergency, and location of the buses real time.

"Cloud-based transport management systems will play an effective role in transforming the transport system in any city, being able to offer world class experience to commuters in India," Samir Bodas, CEO, Icertis.

Icertis is working on one such project with Prasanna Purple Mobility Solutions under JnNURM project and, thus sees an enormous change which is set to hit the road in March 2013. The company boasts that the public transport is set to transform the passenger travel experience via public transport in India.

"Icertis has developed and implemented a state-of-the-art city bus planning and operations management system in India. We have already deployed this solution for Prasanna Purple Mobility Solutions which is a provider of mobility solutions like City and Intercity buses, bus and car rentals, corporate and school bus services," says Bodas.

In addition, the use of IT will assure passengers of more security. "Cloud based system will keep the stakeholders up-to-date. Moreover, the passengers will be benefited. Passengers can check bus schedules, route details, estimated travel time and fares, bus timings, as well as traffic information both online and on mobile devices -all in real time, shopping details, historical facts," informs Bodas. It will result in safer and reliable public transport system, reduced emissions due to better fuel efficiency and vehicle maintenance.

JnNURM, which was launched as a massive city-modernization scheme by the Government of India, will enter phase II of JnNURM that would be carried out over the next five years with an estimated spend of $40 bn. This is expected to transform the public transport in India.