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Kochi's Smart Bus Ticketing System Delayed Indefinitely
The Garudan automated bus punching system, a collaborative initiative between Kochi City Traffic Police and the city's bus monitoring authority, has missed its August launch deadline. The delay leaves the project's timeline uncertain as authorities work to resolve implementation challenges.
LSN India ·
The rollout of Garudan, an intelligent ticketing and passenger management system designed for buses operating across the Greater Kochi metropolitan area, has been postponed indefinitely, marking a setback for the region's public transport modernization efforts.
The system was originally scheduled to go live in August following months of preparation by Kochi City Traffic Police and the Kochi City Bus Monitoring Committee. The partnership aimed to streamline fare collection, improve operational efficiency, and provide real-time data on bus services across the region.
Authorities have not disclosed specific reasons for the delay or provided a revised implementation timeline. The postponement comes amid broader discussions about modernizing Kerala's public transport infrastructure and improving commuter experience in India's urban centers.
Once operational, Garudan is expected to replace traditional manual ticketing systems with a digital platform, potentially enabling better monitoring of fleet operations and passenger flow management across Kochi's bus network. The system represents part of a wider push by municipal authorities to leverage technology for improving public services in the city.