BHASHINI and CRIS Sign MoU to Build Next-Gen Multilingual AI Solutions for Indian Railways

IN NEWS: BHASHINI and CRIS Sign MoU to Build Next-Gen Multilingual AI Solutions for Indian Railways

Analysis

1. Overview of the MoU:
   • The Digital India Bhashini Division (DIBD) and the Centre for Railway Information Systems (CRIS) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on 9 June 2025 in New Delhi.
   • The collaboration aims to develop and deploy multilingual AI-driven solutions for major railway platforms to enhance accessibility and linguistic inclusivity across India’s rail network.
   • The MoU was signed by Shri Amitabh Nag, CEO, BHASHINI, and Shri G.V.L. Satya Kumar, Managing Director, CRIS.
2. Purpose and Scope of Collaboration:
   • The partnership seeks to integrate BHASHINI’s language technology stack — including Automatic Speech Recognition (ASR), Text-to-Text Translation, Text-to-Speech (TTS), and Optical Character Recognition (OCR) — with CRIS-managed systemssuch as:
     • National Train Enquiry System (NTES)
     • RailMadad (Passenger Grievance Redressal System)
   • The integration will enable access to key railway services in 22 Indian languages, ensuring linguistic inclusivity and digital equity.
3. Statements from Key Officials:
   • Shri Amitabh Nag (CEO, BHASHINI): Highlighted that this collaboration would remove language barriers in accessing railway services, empowering millions of passengers with real-time AI-driven support.
   • Shri G.V.L. Satya Kumar (MD, CRIS): Emphasized CRIS’s commitment to implementing AI-powered, inclusive solutions that improve accessibility, transparency, and passenger experience.
4. Key Features and Implementation Plan:
   • Development of multilingual chatbots and voice assistants for passenger support.
   • Creation of multilingual over-the-counter enquiry interfaces and deployment of AI tools across websites, mobile apps, kiosks, and call centers.
   • Use of cloud and on-premise infrastructure to scale BHASHINI-powered services.
   • Pilot deployments and technical workshops are planned in upcoming months to test and refine these solutions.
5. Strategic Significance:
   • This MoU represents a major step under the Digital India vision to build inclusive, citizen-centric digital infrastructure.
   • It strengthens India’s role as a global leader in language-based AI innovation, showcasing the fusion of digital governance, artificial intelligence, and linguistic diversity.
   • The collaboration supports India’s commitment to accessible public digital systems as outlined in the Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) framework.

Static Part (Background Information)

1. BHASHINI (Digital India Bhashini Division):
   • An initiative under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) as part of the Digital India programme.
   • Aims to develop a National Language Translation Mission (NLTM) to make digital services and content available in all Indian languages.
   • Focuses on creating an open-source AI-based language translation ecosystem for government, business, and citizen services.
2. CRIS (Centre for Railway Information Systems):
   • An autonomous organization under the Ministry of Railways, established in 1986.
   • Develops and maintains IT systems for Indian Railways such as Passenger Reservation System (PRS), Freight Operations Information System (FOIS), NTES, and RailMadad.
   • Plays a crucial role in digitizing railway operations and improving service delivery efficiency.
3. Digital India Programme:
   • Launched in 2015, it aims to transform India into a digitally empowered society and knowledge economy.
   • Focuses on digital infrastructure, digital services, and digital literacy, promoting inclusivity through technology-led governance.

Updated – 09 Jun 2025 ; 06:17 PM | PIB