The Indian transportation industry is witnessing a major revamp driven by new-age technologies. Both private and public sector enterprises are undertaking major initiatives under their digital transformation roadmaps to optimise passenger experience in a cost-effective and sustainable manner.
A look at the key technology trends in the transportation sector…
Integration of artificial intelligence
Artificial intelligence (AI) is making inroads into many segments within transport. Its applications, especially machine learning and predictive maintenance, are leading to significant improvements in efficiency, safety and convenience. These technologies can analyse data from sensors and other sources, predict when a vehicle or infrastructure component is likely to fail, and schedule maintenance before a breakdown occurs. This approach can reduce downtime and maintenance costs while improving safety and reliability. Further, AI analyses traffic patterns and predicts future demand, thus helping in optimising traffic flow, reducing congestion, and improving safety on the roads. In public transport, big data streams from ticketing systems and automated passenger counting equipment facilitate a better understanding of passenger flow through the network. For mobility-on-demand services, AI can optimise the deployment of shared vehicle fleets and analyse data on passenger demand and traffic conditions.
Delhi International Airport Limited, the country’s largest airport, plans to use predictive analytics and camera-based AI solutions to improve operations. Meanwhile, the Adani Group has partnered with Prisma AI to leverage the latter’s proprietary algorithms to proactively identify incidents such as falls or unusual passenger behaviour at airports. The system has already been installed at six airports including Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad.
Autonomous vehicles
Autonomous vehicles, or self-driving cars, use a combination of sensors, cameras, AI and automated safety features to navigate roads without the need for human intervention. One of the main benefits of self-driving cars is their potential to improve road safety. AI algorithms recognise objects on roads, guiding the vehicles on how to perceive their environment. Self-driving cars can also improve traffic flow by reducing congestion and eliminating the need for parking spaces. In addition, these vehicles are expected to introduce new business models such as ride-sharing services and delivery fleets. Several companies, including Tesla and Uber, are working on bringing self-driving cars to the market. An increasing number of experts forecast a shift away from vehicles operating on fossil fuels to semi- or fully autonomous vehicles once technologies take over the commercial market.
However, these vehicles may prove detrimental to the environment. A recent study by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology measured the energy consumed by powerful on-board computers that serve as the brains of autonomous vehicles. It found that widespread global adoption of self-driving cars would generate an additional 0.14 gigatonnes of greenhouse gas emissions per year; this is equivalent to that of Argentina.
Connected with IoT
Internet of things (IoT) in transportation incorporates a wide network of embedded sensors, actuators, smart objects and other intelligent devices. IoT devices are deployed for a variety of applications to provide efficient and secure transport in urban areas, particularly in ticketing, security, surveillance and telematics systems. One of the most prominent use cases is intelligent traffic management, which includes smart parking, automatic traffic light systems and smart accident assistance. Another application is automated toll and ticketing with the help of radio frequency identification tags and other smart sensors. IoT in transportation can also be used to design steering wheel control systems. Data on speed or kilometres travelled sends alerts regarding driving times and rest breaks. It can also warn drivers and traffic officers if speed limits are exceeded.
Mobility-as-a-service
The MaaS Alliance defines mobility-as-a-service (MaaS) as an “integration of various forms of transport services into a single mobility service accessible on demand”. The highest level of MaaS involves fully integrated transportation systems, where all modes of transportation are seamlessly connected and available through a single platform or app. This can include a single payment system to access different ways of transportation or a single ticket or pass to access multiple modes of transportation. Fully integrated MaaS systems have the potential to provide users with a seamless and convenient transportation experience.
MaaS is still at a nascent stage in India. Integrating the technology with existing public transit systems requires standardised pricing and payment systems, significant investment in infrastructure, and policy and regulatory initiatives. Its development can be challenging as different systems have different technologies and operating models.
Transportation in the metaverse
The metaverse enables intelligently networked and integrated multimodal transportation networks. It leverages the digital twins of physical infrastructure such as airports and major roadways. Users can plan and execute journeys across multiple transportation modes in an increasingly more cost-effective and efficient manner as these services become part of the larger metaverse. The metaverse could also be used to create virtual transportation hubs, where users can access a range of transportation options, such as trains, buses and taxis. These virtual hubs could be accessed through virtual reality technology and could potentially be used to plan and book real-world transportation.
Kempegowda International Airport, owned and operated by Bengaluru International Airport Limited, entered the metaverse space by launching the first phase of BLR Metaport. Developed in collaboration with Amazon Web Services and Polygon, BLR Metaport offers a 3D virtual experience of Terminal 2 at the airport. The 3D interface enables customers to enquire and check into flights, navigate terminals, shop, and connect with other travellers. It is said to be one of the first terminals across the world that can be experienced on the metaverse.
Public sector adoption
Indian Railways
The public transport sector has demonstrated an exemplary pace of digital transformation across various modes of transport. Indian Railways has initiated the digitalisation of its operations, including passenger information systems, train signalling, ticketing, computerised wagon allocation systems, real-time monitoring and traffic management. It is enhancing passenger experience with solutions such as the integrated coaching management system, e-ticketing, and the railways mobile app. These digital platforms simplify ticket booking, provide real-time information, and enable passengers to track trains. Additionally, the freight operation information system has improved the efficiency of freight transportation, reducing transit times and enhancing customer satisfaction. Recently, the Ministry of Railways announced its plans to upgrade its indigenous anti-collision system Kavach to 4G/5G (LTE-based). Indian Railways also collaborated with the Indian Space Research Organisation to develop a real-time train information system, which is being installed on locomotives to automatically acquire their movement timings at stations, including arrival, departure and run-through.
Airports Authority of India
The Airports Authority of India (AAI) partnered with Société Internationale de Télécommunications Aéronautiques to provide new-age technologies to 43 of India’s biggest airports. The deal will facilitate the adoption of new-age solutions at airports, leading to improvements in over 2,700 passenger touchpoints. The roll-out of cloud services will enable Indian airports to shift to common-use passenger experiences where multiple airlines can leverage the same infrastructure, such as check-in counters, self-service kiosks and boarding gates. The cloud-first approach also enforces better security and offers airlines a platform to host progressive technologies and move away from native applications. Centralised cloud hosting of all servers means reduced on-premises infrastructure costs, resulting in centralised control and enabling proactive monitoring and control of services. The technologies are scalable to an additional 40 airports over the next seven years.
Last year, AAI and LFV Air Navigation Services of Sweden signed an MoU to build and operationalise the next generation of sustainable aviation technology and explore smart aviation solutions.
Metro corporations
Metro rail corporations are using integrated data management systems for project management and O&M practices. Technologies such as IoT, AI and 3D printing are being used for predictive maintenance of rolling stock, signalling, and electrical and mechanical systems. Drones are being used to identify issues related to track and overhead equipment. In November 2023, the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation launched the Momentum 2.0 app to provide instant and direct access to services such as integrated QR ticketing, a wide array of e-shopping choices, digital lockers for quick and safe deliveries, smart utility payments and last-mile connectivity options. Meanwhile, Chennai Metro Rail selected Hitachi Rail STS to deliver autonomous digital signalling for the second phase of its rail project. The technology will enable services to run without a driver and automatically control the train’s traction and braking to continuously calculate optimum speed.
Future outlook
The future of the Indian transport industry will be shaped by radical transformations through disruptive technologies based on intelligent transport systems, from hyperloop to autonomous and remotely piloted vehicles. This shift will be accompanied by evolving physical and digital infrastructure in the country.
Sarah Khan
