IIT-H Launches India’s First Driverless Bus Service

19 Aug 2025 CW Team

The Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad (IIT-H) has launched India’s first fully autonomous, AI-powered electric bus service on its campus — a significant step forward in the country's smart mobility sector. Developed by the institute’s Technology Innovation Hub on Autonomous Navigation (TiHAN), the buses are now operating daily without human drivers.

Two versions of the driverless vehicle — a six-seater and a fourteen-seater — are currently in service, and have already transported over 10,000 passengers. According to TiHAN, passenger satisfaction has been encouraging, with around 90% positive feedback received.

These aren’t experimental prototypes — the buses are equipped with Autonomous Emergency Braking, Adaptive Cruise Control, and a suite of AI-based sensors that allow them to detect obstacles, adjust speeds, and maintain safe distances from other vehicles or pedestrians.

The project has achieved Technology Readiness Level 9, meaning the system has been successfully tested and deployed in real-world conditions — not just lab environments.

According to the institute:

“This is both a transportation solution and a demonstration of India's capability in developing real-world autonomous systems.”

TiHAN has also established the country’s first autonomous navigation testbed, which mimics Indian traffic and road conditions. This facility supports startups, automotive companies, and government agencies in testing and validating self-driving technologies before public deployment.

With this milestone, IIT-H is showcasing how India can lead in AI-based smart mobility and set benchmarks for future urban transportation systems.

Infrastructure Transport

06 Aug 2026

Surya Roshni delivers customised lighting for NCRTC RRTS stations

Surya Roshni has supplied customised indoor lighting solutions for 18 elevated stations on the National Capital Region Transport Corporation's (NCRTC) Rapid Rail Transit System (RRTS), strengthening its presence in India's infrastructure lighting segment.The project involved the design and deployment of lighting systems for platforms, concourses, foot overbridges (FOBs) and back-of-house (BOH) areas. According to the company, the luminaires were developed specifically to meet NCRTC's design, operational and performance requirements rather than using standard products.Surya introduced two custo..

Hilton debuts Tapestry Collection brand in Vietnam

Hilton has opened NHAAN Resort & Spa Hoi An, Tapestry Collection by Hilton, marking the debut of the Tapestry Collection brand in Vietnam and expanding its lifestyle hospitality portfolio in Southeast Asia.Located along the Co Co River in Cam Thanh village, the 174-key resort provides access to Hoi An Ancient Town, Cua Dai Beach and the Cam Thanh Nipa Forest. The property has been designed by Vietnamese architect Vo Trong Nghia, incorporating biophilic architecture, locally sourced materials and riverfront landscapes.The resort offers a mix of guest rooms and suites, including family-frien..

Electrent expands lithium energy storage system portfolio

Electrent Energy has expanded its lithium-based energy storage portfolio with the launch of the ESS 850 and ESS 1050, targeting compact and maintenance-free power backup solutions for Indian homes.The new systems integrate a Home UPS and a LiFePO4 lithium battery into a single unit, extending the company's product range following the launch of its ESS 1350 and ESS 2500 models.Designed for apartments and smaller homes, the ESS 850 provides up to 1 hour 15 minutes of backup, while the ESS 1050 offers up to 1 hour 45 minutes on a typical 400 W household load. The systems can power essential appli..