Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy launches assistive audio technology in 200 city buses of Bengaluru and Mysuru, offering independence and dignity in urban travel for the visually impaired
Bengaluru: In a significant step towards inclusive urban mobility, Karnataka Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy on Monday launched "Voice Spandana", a groundbreaking technology designed to assist visually impaired persons in identifying and boarding public buses.
The project was launched simultaneously at the Bengaluru and Mysuru City Bus Stations under the Urban Mobility Partnership between the Government of India and Germany, with financial assistance from GIZ Company.
“With ‘Voice Spandana,’ we are turning accessibility into action. This initiative is a symbol of Karnataka’s commitment to ensure no citizen is left behind in public infrastructure,” said Ramalinga Reddy, Hon’ble Transport & Muzrai Minister, during the launch event.
Technology Designed for Independence
Developed through a collaboration between Raced Lines Foundation and IIT Delhi, the device is now active in 200 buses in Bengaluru and Mysuru. It is designed to address a long-standing challenge: helping visually impaired persons independently identify their intended bus route and board the bus safely.
Each equipped bus will have:
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A speaker system inside the bus
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A remote control device usable by visually impaired passengers
How it works: When a visually impaired commuter presses the “Find” button on their remote as a bus approaches, the bus route number is announced loudly via the speaker in the bus. Simultaneously, the driver and conductor receive an alert, indicating a visually impaired passenger is waiting, ensuring the bus halts longer for safe boarding.
“This is more than a device. It is a voice of dignity and inclusion, ensuring visually impaired persons don't have to depend on strangers or feel helpless at bus stops,” said Manjunath Shekhar, Head of GIZ, during the event.
Presence of Dignitaries
The event saw attendance from prominent local leaders and public representatives:
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Tanveer Sait, MLA from Narasimharaja Constituency
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G.T. Deve Gowda, MLA from Chamundeshwari Constituency
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Pushpa Amarnath, State Vice President of the Guarantee Scheme
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Arun, District President
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Manjunath Shekhar, Head of GIZ
“This project sets an example of how technology can address real-world barriers for people with disabilities,” said Pushpa Amarnath, emphasizing the need for scalable models like Voice Spandana in other cities.
Towards Inclusive Mobility
For visually impaired commuters, navigating public transport can often be a stressful and unsafe experience due to a lack of accessible information at bus stops and inside buses.
With Voice Spandana, Karnataka aims to:
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Promote independence and confidence among visually impaired persons
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Ensure longer bus halts and safer boarding experiences
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Build inclusive public transport systems that address diverse needs
The initiative is part of a growing recognition that accessibility and empowerment must go hand in hand, especially in urban infrastructure.
“The strength of a society is reflected in how it treats its most vulnerable. With Voice Spandana, we’re giving visually impaired citizens more than a voice — we’re giving them autonomy,” said Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy, concluding the event.
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