The ancient and holy city of Varanasi, renowned for its labyrinthine network of historic lanes, is embarking on a transformative journey into the future of urban mobility. To tackle the challenges posed by increasing tourist footfall and traffic congestion, the city is turning to cutting-edge artificial intelligence. A groundbreaking, homegrown solution is in the works: an AI-based pedestrian navigation and crowd intelligence application named 'Better-Way'.
From Global Recognition to Local Solution
This innovative initiative gained significant momentum when Varanasi was selected from among hundreds of cities worldwide for the Toyota Mobility Foundation's Sustainable Cities Challenge. The city found itself in prestigious company, alongside global icons like Venice and Detroit. In the initial phase of this challenge, ten companies were shortlisted to propose solutions for Varanasi, which was later narrowed down to five finalists tasked with planning traffic and crowd management systems for Kashi.
Municipal Commissioner Himanshu Nagpal emphasized that this marks a crucial step towards establishing smart and sustainable tourism in Kashi. "Kashi's historic lanes are the city's identity, but due to increasing tourist numbers and traffic pressure, the need for their better management was felt for a long time," Nagpal stated. He confirmed that the lanes are being specifically developed for pedestrian traffic and easier access to pilgrimage sites, with the app designed to provide a smooth, safe, and enhanced walking experience in the narrow, crowded areas of the old city.
How the 'Better-Way' App Will Transform Navigation
The research and development of this bespoke app for Kashi's unique topography is being led by Vojic AI. Its CEO, Arjit Vishwas, explained that unlike conventional mapping tools, the 'Better-Way' app will leverage real-time data and artificial intelligence to offer dynamic routing. It will provide information on alternative lanes and pedestrian pathways, guiding users away from overcrowded routes while also highlighting nearby tourist spots.
User testing of the app is currently underway. A key feature of its design is not just managing crowds at major sites but also intelligently distributing visitor flow. Company founder Rahul Thakur noted that the app will help in the balanced distribution of crowds and promote exploration of less famous but culturally rich areas. Furthermore, it will feature information about common and special shops located in the local lanes, potentially driving economic benefits to local shopkeepers and small businesses.
A Collaborative Push for a Smarter Kashi
This project is a collaborative effort involving multiple key agencies. Nagpal mentioned that the Smart City mission, Municipal Corporation, Varanasi Development Authority, and the Traffic Police are all cooperating to ensure the app meets the city's practical needs. This ground-level coordination ensures the solution is tailored to Varanasi's actual conditions and challenges.
The 'Better-Way' app, developed under the Make in India initiative, is specifically engineered for densely populated, heritage-rich cities with complex urban layouts like Varanasi. It represents a fusion of respect for timeless heritage with the promise of intelligent technology, aiming to preserve the spiritual experience of the city while making it more accessible and manageable for pilgrims and residents alike.
