About the DRUM App:
- Full Form: Dynamic Route Planning for Urban Green Mobility
- Developer: Researchers from IIT-Kharagpur
- Stage: Successfully simulated in Delhi; real-world trials starting soon
Core Objective:
- To minimize commuters’ exposure to air pollution through real-time, environment-sensitive route suggestions.
Key Features of DRUM:
- Route Types Offered:
- Shortest Route
- Fastest Route
- LEAP (Least Exposure to Air Pollution)
- LECR (Least Energy Consumption Route)
- Balanced Suggested Route (combines multiple criteria)
- Technology Stack:
- Based on GraphHopper and Mapbox platforms
- Integrated with real-time air quality data from CPCB and World AQI
- Works even in data-sparse urban zones
- Allows vehicle-specific customization for route selection
- Advanced Functionalities:
- Uses exposure time as the principal metric
- Crowdsourced sensor data integration planned for DRUM 2.0
- Will support AI/ML-powered time-based route suggestions in the next phase
Why DRUM Matters:
- Health Impact: Can reduce exposure to pollution by up to 50%, especially in high-density areas like Central Delhi
- Sustainability: Encourages eco-friendly route choices, energy conservation, and smart traffic management
- Target Users: Cyclists, pedestrians, and public transport commuters—groups most vulnerable to urban pollution
- Policy Implication: Enables data-driven urban planning and enhances decision-making for environmental sustainability
