Applications | 6/10/2025
AI Initiative to Enhance Multilingual Access on Indian Railways
The Digital India Bhashini Division and Centre for Railway Information Systems have partnered to implement AI-driven multilingual solutions for Indian Railways, aiming to improve accessibility for passengers in 22 languages. This collaboration is part of the broader Digital India mission to enhance public service delivery through technology.
AI Initiative to Enhance Multilingual Access on Indian Railways
In a move to utilize artificial intelligence for public service improvement, the Digital India Bhashini Division (DIBD) and the Centre for Railway Information Systems (CRIS) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This agreement focuses on developing AI-powered multilingual solutions for Indian Railways, aiming to dismantle language barriers for millions of passengers.
Enhancing Accessibility and Inclusivity
The collaboration will integrate Bhashini's advanced language technologies into various customer-facing platforms managed by CRIS. This initiative is expected to enhance accessibility, inclusivity, and user experience across the railway network, aligning with the broader goals of the Digital India mission.
Technology and Implementation
Bhashini, under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) as part of the National Language Translation Mission (NLTM), will provide its language technology stack to CRIS. This includes tools such as Automatic Speech Recognition (ASR), Text-to-Text Translation (TTS), Text-to-Speech (TTS), and Optical Character Recognition (OCR). CRIS, responsible for most of the critical information systems for Indian Railways, will implement these technologies to offer services in 22 scheduled Indian languages.
Key Platforms and Future Plans
Key platforms like the National Train Enquiry System (NTES) and RailMadad will undergo multilingual upgrades. The focus will be on developing multilingual chatbots and voice assistants for real-time passenger support in native languages. These services will be available across digital touchpoints, including websites, mobile apps, station kiosks, and call centers.
Broader Implications
This partnership is significant for the AI industry in India, particularly in natural language processing (NLP) for Indian languages. By integrating with Indian Railways, Bhashini will access vast real-world data, crucial for refining AI models. This government-led AI adoption could encourage further investment in Indic language technologies, promoting digital inclusion and equitable access to services.
The success of this collaboration could inspire other government departments to adopt similar AI-powered solutions, enhancing India's leadership in language AI globally.