Engineering students develop AI-powered app to revolutionise KSRTC travel

Chengannur: You no longer need to rely on the conductor to wake you up when it’s time to get off the bus — even during a long-distance journey, if you happen to fall asleep.
The AI Connect app, developed by second-year Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning students of IHRD Engineering College, Chengannur, is here to solve that problem. The app also provides instant access to information about KSRTC services. Want to know the bus schedule or need help with anything? AI Kuttan, the app’s friendly ‘Malayali’ chatbot, responds to your queries in Malayalam, English, and even Manglish (Malayalam in English script).

The KSRTC AI Connect app aims to enhance the reach of KSRTC services in the age of artificial intelligence. It offers various features such as e-ticketing, a sleep-friendly mode that alerts you when it’s time to wake up, parking reservations for private vehicles, seat-holding booking options, and a lost-and-found facility to help recover valuables lost during travel. The app also enables live tracking of buses and includes a passenger feedback system.

Developed by students S. Meenakshi, U. S. Kashinath, S. Anusree, Parvathy V. Nair, P. Pradeep, and Nandu Prasad, the app was guided by College Principal V. S. Hari, Shanthy Viswam from the Machine Learning Department, and Class Advisor Shyama.

The student team recently presented their innovation to Minister K. B. Ganesh Kumar at the Secretariat. The minister instructed senior KSRTC officials, led by IT Wing Deputy General Manager S. Nishanth, to examine the app thoroughly and submit recommendations to the KSRTC Managing Director. Minister Saji Cherian also commended the students for their creativity and contribution.