This travel startup uses Machine Learning to predict train arrival time

While the Indian Railways is introducing newer technologies and systems to reduce inefficiency, here's a travel startup that's decoding this problem. RailYatri has introduced a technique to calculate the 'Estimated Time of Arrival' using techniques like Machine Learning based on previously collected data.

In a press release, the startup said that most of travellers are miffed because of the present system's inability to predict the right arrival and departure time. The innovative ETA prediction algorithm of RailYatri fills in that gap with statistical modelling techniques where precision is duly noted.

The startup which is known for using big data, analyses train timings by using its previous data that is collected from many years and sends across a prediction. It also claims that "its prediction is nearly 110 per cent better than the existing way of estimating train travel time."

Also read: RailYatri brings big data intelligence to Indian railway travel

Co-founder, Kapil Raizada added that the present system has remained the same since many years and is based on an old-age system of dividing distance with the speed of the train plus some buffer time.

We believe that a much better technique is to make the ETA prediction based on historical data as it takes proper considerations of ground realities such as increasing traffic, rush, seasonality, etc.

The founders also claim that the system is easy to adapt and is open sourced. In 2016, the startup had raised  a fresh round of funding, with participation from all its existing investors - Nandan Nilekani, Helion Ventures, Omidyar Partners and Blume Ventures.

(With inputs from IANS)

Do you have an interesting story to share? Please write to us at [email protected]. To stay updated with more positive news, please connect with us on Facebook and Twitter.