Bank of Baroda Launches bob SAMVAD AI Platform

10 Apr 2026 CW Team

Developed in house, bob SAMVAD is designed to transform in branch customer interactions by enabling real time, low latency, two way communication across 22 languages. The platform leverages AI driven speech and language technologies to maintain contextual accuracy and natural fluency while embracing India’s linguistic diversity. The system supports text and optional audio output to suit customer preferences.

At the service counter the application facilitates seamless exchange between customers and branch staff even when they speak different languages by translating inputs instantly into the staff member’s chosen language and vice versa. Interactions are displayed as text on screen with an option to convert text to speech for those who prefer audio, which will enhance accessibility and reduce misunderstandings. The low latency design aims to preserve natural conversational flow during service delivery.

The initial rollout will cover 250 branches across Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra, followed by a phased large scale deployment across the bank’s branch network. The visit to bob Forest underscored the bank’s environmental, social and governance commitments; bob Forest is a 6,000 sq ft green oasis at the BKC office. The bank described the launch as part of a wider strategy combining operational excellence and customer centric design to improve service efficiency.

Bank leaders indicated that the platform sets a new benchmark for the sector by promoting inclusion and operational resilience and said the in house development underlines its commitment to innovate. The bank signalled that customer service at branches will be strengthened through faster resolution of queries and more personalised assistance enabled by the multilingual AI system.

Bank of Baroda (the Bank) unveiled bob SAMVAD, an AI powered multilingual conversational platform, in Mumbai on 28 March 2026 at a launch attended by M. Nagaraju, Secretary of the Department of Financial Services. The Secretary characterised the initiative as a step towards more inclusive and accessible banking and praised the bank’s use of technology to bridge language barriers. Developed in house, bob SAMVAD is designed to transform in branch customer interactions by enabling real time, low latency, two way communication across 22 languages. The platform leverages AI driven speech and language technologies to maintain contextual accuracy and natural fluency while embracing India’s linguistic diversity. The system supports text and optional audio output to suit customer preferences. At the service counter the application facilitates seamless exchange between customers and branch staff even when they speak different languages by translating inputs instantly into the staff member’s chosen language and vice versa. Interactions are displayed as text on screen with an option to convert text to speech for those who prefer audio, which will enhance accessibility and reduce misunderstandings. The low latency design aims to preserve natural conversational flow during service delivery. The initial rollout will cover 250 branches across Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra, followed by a phased large scale deployment across the bank’s branch network. The visit to bob Forest underscored the bank’s environmental, social and governance commitments; bob Forest is a 6,000 sq ft green oasis at the BKC office. The bank described the launch as part of a wider strategy combining operational excellence and customer centric design to improve service efficiency. Bank leaders indicated that the platform sets a new benchmark for the sector by promoting inclusion and operational resilience and said the in house development underlines its commitment to innovate. The bank signalled that customer service at branches will be strengthened through faster resolution of queries and more personalised assistance enabled by the multilingual AI system.

Infrastructure Transport

03 May 2026

AFCONS & Navayuga set world records with Missing Link Expressway

Maharashtra’s most ambitious greenfield bypass — a 13.3-km alignment carrying twin record-setting tunnels and India’s tallest cable-stayed road bridge — was thrown open to traffic on Maharashtra Day, finally completing the Mumbai–Pune Expressway after a 23-year wait. CW reports…The 650-m cable-stayed bridge over Tiger Valley at sunset — the package executed by Afcons Infrastructure Ltd carries 182-m pylons, the tallest on any Indian road bridge.On 1 May 2026, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, flanked by Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Sunetra Pawar (representing the late..

Infrastructure Transport

01 May 2026

Mumbai–Pune Missing Link boosts realty prospects

The recently opened ‘missing link’ on the Mumbai–Pune Expressway is set to significantly transform connectivity between the two cities by reducing travel time and bypassing the challenging ghat section. The new alignment, featuring tunnels and viaducts, is designed to improve safety, ease congestion and ensure a smoother, faster commute for both passenger and commercial traffic.With improved travel efficiency, the corridor is expected to strengthen intercity movement, encouraging more frequent travel for work, leisure and logistics. This enhanced accessibility is likely to benefit real e..

Infrastructure Urban

01 May 2026

How Hormuz is Hijacking Indian Highways

At the recently held RAHSTA Round Table on 29th April in Pune, and earlier during our webinars for Cement Expo by Indian Cement Review and by FIRST Construction Council on manufacturing construction equipment for the world, one thread lay common: the industry is being subjected to a cost-push chain reaction moving from crude oil → freight/insurance → steel, cement fuel, bitumen, polymers, packaging, logistics and finally project margins. Indeed, the West Asia crisis caused by the war and the Hormuz Strait blockade, which does not directly concern us, has turned around and hit us. If the wa..