THE ROLE OF AI IN TRANSPORTATION: SPECIAL FOCUS ON AUTONOMOUS VEHICLES IN INDIA

The Artificial Intelligence (AI) has redefined worldwide transportation, improving safety, sustainability, and efficiency. In India, AI-driven autonomous vehicles (AVs) present a transformative potential, particularly in addressing traffic congestion, urban mobility challenges, and road safety concerns. It includes phased implementation of AVs, investment in smart infrastructure, and regulatory reforms to facilitate safe deployment. AI’s role in autonomous vehicles is becoming more prominent in India, especially with the increasing focus on smart cities and sustainable transportation solutions. Since there is a rising interest in the usage of AI in transforming the automotive landscape, still autonomous vehicles are not widely used yet. The study examines the feasibility of deploying AVs in India's complex transportation ecosystem. This paper highlights the economic and environmental benefits of artificial intelligence and AV technologies in India and also the need for a collaborative framework involving policymakers, technology developers, and the public to connect AI’s potential in India's transportation sector. For research design, a qualitative and quantitative approach is used. The study discusses the crucial role of artificial intelligence (AI) in transportation, challenges, and opportunities, focusing on the adoption of autonomous vehicles (AVs) in India.