The COVID-19 pandemic brought unprecedented challenges to the global transportation industry. However, as the world gradually recovers, the bus industry is regaining momentum, and companies like Chemito are at the forefront of this resurgence. At the recent Prawaas exhibition in Bangalore, Chemito showcased its innovative solutions, highlighting its pivotal role in the digital display systems for buses.
Market Trends and Post-COVID Recovery
According to Bhavesh Jivani, General Manager – Sales, Chemito Infotech,“The post-COVID scenario has significantly increased awareness and adoption of Intelligent Transport Management Systems (ITMS) in fleets. This trend is particularly evident in the new electric vehicles (EVs) being introduced by state transport units. So, all the electric vehicle tenders floated by state transport units now mandate ITMS as a requirement. This shift underscores the growing importance of ITMS in enhancing the efficiency and safety of public transportation.”
Integrated Control Command Centers (ICCC)
One of the standout features of Chemito’s ITMS is its integration with back-end systems known as Integrated Control Command Centers (ICCC). These centers allow fleet managers to visualize bus movements, monitor commuter activities, and oversee driver behavior from a centralized location. This capability enables more efficient deployment of buses based on real-time data, ensuring optimal service on high-demand routes.
Vehicle Health Monitoring Systems (VHMS)
Chemito’s ITMS also includes advanced Vehicle Health Monitoring Systems (VHMS), which provide critical data on various parameters such as carbon levels, battery status, and coolant levels. This information is processed and converted into readable formats, facilitating preemptive maintenance programs. “This system helps bus OEMs and fleet operators maintain their vehicles more effectively, ensuring long-term operational efficiency,” Bhavesh explained.
Chemito’s ITMS comprises five main components:
- Display Systems: These include front, side, rear, in-bus, and in-base displays that provide current and next stop announcements based on GPS signals.
- Surveillance Systems: These systems offer comprehensive surveillance of passenger areas, driver activities, and rear parking, enhancing overall safety.
- Two-Way Communication: This feature allows real-time communication between the control command center and drivers, ensuring swift responses to any issues.
- VHMS Parameters: These parameters provide essential data for preemptive maintenance, helping to prevent breakdowns and extend vehicle lifespan.
- Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS): These systems offer features like forward collision alerts, lane departure warnings, and driver monitoring to enhance safety.
In-House Manufacturing and Development
Chemito prides itself on its in-house capabilities for both hardware and software development. The company has dedicated teams for product design, software development, and wiring harness manufacturing. “All our products are indigenous and manufactured by Chemito itself,” Bhavesh emphasized. This vertical integration ensures high-quality standards and allows the company to tailor its solutions to specific tender requirements.
Future Innovations
Looking ahead, Chemito is focused on several innovative developments. These include automatic passenger counter systems, which can track the number of passengers boarding and alighting at each stop, and advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) that provide forward collision alerts and lane departure warnings. Additionally, the company is working on driver monitoring systems that detect fatigue and other risky behaviors, ensuring safer driving practices.
Chemito is currently in expansion mode, with plans to increase its production capacity to meet growing demand. The company operates on a monthly production cycle, with a focus on fulfilling tender-based orders.
Metro Solutions and Smart Mobility
In addition to its bus solutions, Chemito is also making strides in the metro solutions segment. The company provides intelligent transport systems for metro projects, working with prime system integrators like Alstom, Siemens, and L&T. Chemito’s end customers include major metro authorities such as Bengaluru Metro, Chennai Metro, and Delhi Metro. The company also offers smart mobility solutions, including parking lot displays and environmental displays for multi-level parking facilities.
Chemito’s comprehensive range of intelligent transport solutions positions it as a key player in the post-COVID recovery of the bus industry. With its focus on innovation, in-house manufacturing, and customer-centric approach, the company is well-equipped to meet the evolving needs of the transportation sector. As Bhavesh aptly put it, “It’s a wow experience… We are also learning from other participants about what technologies are coming into, how we can gear up for the future.”
Chemito’s presence at Prawaas and its array of offerings underscore its commitment to advancing intelligent transport solutions and contributing to the future of public transportation.