The Hindu Business Line : Telematics has wide applications: Maran

The Union Minister for Communication and Information Technology, Mr Dayanidhi Maran, and the Managing Director of Ashok Leyland, Mr R. Seshasayee, at the Tele Trans 2004 conference in Chennai on Monday. - - Shaju John

Chennai , Sept. 6

INDIA should be able to extend its excellence in information technology to different areas that use IT in a significant way. Telematics in transportation is one such area, according to the Union Communications and Information Technology Minister, Mr Dayanidhi Maran.

Inaugurating `Tele Trans 2004', a two-day conference-cum-exposition on `Telematics in transportation', organised by the Confederation of Indian Industry here, Mr Maran said there was a growing appreciation in the automobile industry of the importance of telematics. Telematics is useful in enhancing the performance of automobiles, the management of traffic system and the overall productivity of the transportation system.

Availability of cost-effective and appropriate technology was important for its wider application, said Mr Maran.

There is a need to introduce low cost and appropriate telematics technology for increased safety, enhanced productivity, improved efficiency and value-added services to consumers. This initiative required a consortium-based approach with the involvement of the industry, the State and Central Governments, the academia and the national research laboratories.

Mr Maran said a core group on automotive research and development under the Union Ministry for Science and Technology has identified several new technologies and projects for adoption in the automotive industry. One such technology is the use of electronic navigational systems at the Koyambedu mofussil bus terminus in Chennai, which will direct each bus to park in a particular bay.

The minister said the Centre has decided to improve infrastructure and R&D facilities at the Chennai auto cluster, which consists of auto components manufacturing and services at Ambattur, Tirumudivakkam and Tirumazhisai, on the outskirts of Chennai, at an investment of Rs 47 crore. Of this, Rs 35 crore will be a Central Government grant. Part of this aid is meant to upgrade IT in this cluster.

Mr R. Seshasayee, Chairman, Tele Trans 2004, said there were growing opportunities for telematics in transportation in India in areas such as enhancing vehicle performance, inter-vehicle control, safety, and automated tracking for toll collection.

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Telematics has wide applications: Maran