Assam is giving its public transport a technology boost as the Assam State Transport Corporation (ASTC) buses are being fitted with an Intelligent Transport Management System (ITMS). Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced the rollout on Tuesday, saying the new system will make the buses not just smarter but also incredibly safer.
The ITMS will equip each bus with real‑time GPS tracking, allowing authorities to monitor movements and provide passengers with greater visibility. The system also supports smarter scheduling, which could reduce passenger waiting times and improve fleet management across the state.
A key safety feature is the installation of emergency panic or SOS buttons inside the vehicles. The buttons are directly linked to control centres, enabling rapid response to incidents and enhancing security, particularly for women passengers.
The upgrade adds automated ticketing and e‑payment options, cutting reliance on paper tickets and bringing digital payments into everyday public transport. The government says the technology‑driven overhaul will make ASTC operations more responsive and efficient while improving overall safety. With GPS tracking, digital ticketing, emergency response mechanisms and smart scheduling, the initiative marks a new phase in modernising Assam’s public transport and strengthening connectivity between urban centres and rural areas.
