KSRTC’s initiative for visually challenged passengers wins national award

The Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) has been honoured with the National Award of Excellence in Urban Transport – 2025 by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs.

The award recognises Karnataka as the State that implemented the best urban transport projects during the previous year, according to a release by the KSRTC.

The KSRTC’s Dhwani Spandana project, a first-of-its-kind initiative for visually challenged passengers, received the honour for its work in creating an inclusive and accessible public transport system.

The award was presented to KSRTC Managing Director Akram Pasha by Union Minister for Energy, Housing and Urban Affairs Manohar Lal Khattar at a ceremony held in Gurugram, Haryana, on Sunday, the release stated.

“Developed by the Raised Lines Foundation at IIT Delhi, with GIZ as the knowledge partner, the Onboard Bus Identification and Navigation System has been implemented in 200 Mysuru city buses. The technology uses assistive audio signals to help visually challenged commuters identify approaching buses and locate entry points safely,” a KSRTC official said.

“Over 400 visually challenged passengers have been trained to use the system, which has notably improved their mobility, confidence, and safety while travelling independently in public transport,” official added.