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Bengaluru Police use AI to break language barriers in emergencies

In a first-of-its-kind initiative in India, the Bengaluru City Police have introduced a multilingual AI-powered upgrade to their emergency helpline, Namma 112. The move aims to eliminate language barriers and improve response efficiency for people seeking urgent assistance.

The new system, called Voice AI for Nationwide Key Interventions (VANKI), enables callers to communicate in their preferred language during emergencies. By using advanced artificial intelligence, the platform can interpret and translate conversations in real time, ensuring that call handlers clearly understand the situation and respond more effectively.

Breaking Language Barriers in Emergencies

Bengaluru, known for its diverse population that includes residents from across India and abroad, often faces communication challenges during emergency calls. Language differences can delay response times and affect the accuracy of information shared. The integration of VANKI is designed to address these challenges by allowing seamless multilingual communication between callers and emergency operators.

The system currently supports more than 10 languages, including Indian languages such as Bengali, Gujarati, Odia, Manipuri, Kashmiri, Nepali, and Assamese. It also includes international languages like Spanish, French, and Arabic, making it particularly useful for expatriates and visitors. Authorities have indicated that support for additional languages will be added in phases.

Improving Response Time and Accuracy

Developed in collaboration with technology partners, the AI-driven solution is expected to significantly improve response times, clarity of communication, and the accuracy of dispatching emergency services. By enabling real-time translation, the system reduces the chances of miscommunication during high-pressure situations where every second matters.

Police officials noted that the upgrade aligns with their broader goal of creating a more inclusive and citizen-centric emergency response framework. The enhanced system ensures that individuals from different linguistic backgrounds can access help without hesitation or confusion.

With this initiative, Bengaluru City Police have taken a significant step toward leveraging technology to modernize public safety infrastructure. The deployment of multilingual AI in emergency services not only improves operational efficiency but also ensures that critical assistance is accessible to a wider population, regardless of language barriers.