Transport minister Ramalinga Reddy on Monday launched the Dwani Spandana service in KSRTC city buses in Mysuru, a step aimed at empowering blind passengers to travel independently.

Speaking after launching the facility, he said, "This technology enables visually impaired commuters to board buses without assistance, using special audio guidance devices. While 125 buses in Bengaluru have already been fitted with the system, it has now been introduced in 200 city buses in Mysuru. Gradually, the facility will be extended to 7,000 KSRTC buses across Karnataka." He further noted that all newly procured KSRTC buses will be equipped with the system at the manufacturing stage itself.

Narasimharaja MLA Tanveer Sait described the initiative as a progressive step in public transport: "It's encouraging that the transport department is leveraging information technology to support the visually impaired. Public transport must be accessible to everyone. The arrival of 500 pending electric buses in Shalthinur should also be expedited. DTOs and inspectors must assess public needs and improve connectivity, including introducing new routes."

Anil, a blind passenger, shared his experience: "With this device, we can now board buses without seeking help. We have been trained to use it. By pressing the speaker button, we can select and board our required bus."

Balakrishnan, professor at IIT Delhi, where this 'on-board' device was developed, said, "The primary objective is to enable public buses without any assistance. They faced two challenges: what is the route number of the bus, and they need to depend on others; second, they do not know where it comes from and where the door is. They need assistance to get into the bus. With this device, they need not depend on anybody."

MLA GT Devegowda and Karnataka Guarantee Schemes Implementation Authority vice-president Pushpa Amaranath were present.