A safer road ahead via data analytics

Roads in India are prone to high rates of accidents. Vahanalytics is a start-up that promises to improve the quality of drivers by analysing their driving patterns.

Launched in 2016 by Shivalik Sen, Arun Gandhi, Nikhil Tavora and Someshwar Dash, it strives to improve the quality of transportation and drivers by using data analytics. It has recently raised about $200,000 through Venture Catalysts, a seed investment platform in India.

Last year, the co-founders had started with 'Driven', an on-demand driver service and with that, they came across the idea of actually tracing and tracking the performance of the drivers. Therefore, to record and analyse the driving habits of the drivers, they came up with the idea of Vahanalytics. It aims to tackle the increased traffic by improving the quality of drivers, the services and make the roads safer. Each driver will be given a smartphone which will record their driving behaviour whether they are rash, reckless or safe.

Accordingly, the data captured would be analysed and appropriate measures will be taken to mend the drawbacks in the driving mannerisms and improve upon their safety. On the viability of the project, Shivalik Sen is of the view that it is very sustainable. The cost involved is minimal as expenditure is only on the manpower and everything else is software.

One only has to install the required applications and recruit respective drivers. Also, the cost incurred can be smoothly recovered. A base fare of Rs 199 per driver is going to be charged to the companies who want their drivers to be tracked. For the extra kilometres exceeding the base fare amount, the companies/customers would be charged 15-30 paise a kilometre. The co-founders expect the start-up will start making profits in 12 to 15 months since most of the cost involved is fixed and there is little variable cost.

Since the Indian logistics transportation sector is one of the fastest growing sectors in the world along with China, so, Sen feels that it is the right time to tap this market as it holds a lot of potential in the future.

This start up has got major plans for itself as Sen said: "We have a very ambitious plan with Vahanalytics, as we aim to go global after two years as our product and idea has a global appeal."

"Also, we have the support of good investors who trust our idea and that gives a huge boost to our confidence," he added.