Bangalore: Bangalore-based BOW (Bharat on Wheels) Network Private Limited has come out with a vehicle tracking system, which will facilitate tracking of a vehicle anywhere in the country, just at the cost of a local call, a top official of the company said.

An "effective, economical and reliable" vehicle tracking solution through Interactive Voice Response System (IVRS), it will provide accurate and up-to-date information on the vehicle's present location, date, time and the message the driver wants to convey, just at the cost of a local call, P S Selvaraj, managing director of the company said.

Vehicle owners registered with the company can avail these services by using "BOW card", while those who are not registered can avail these services by using "trip card" (pre-paid cellular card) available at all area franchisees set up in district headquarters and designated retail outlets, he told reporters launching the services on September 8.

Only designated STD booths at strategic locations like National Highways and checkposts, where transport vehicles stop can use the facility.

"The company at present has 18 master franchisees and 50-55 area franchisees in the country," he said.

BOW's IVRS system functions without any additional gadget to be fixed to the vehicle and BOW also has its own servers, which assures high quality service without interruption, he said.

The company is focusing on fleet operators and corporate companies and "hopes to achieve a sale of two lakh cards in six months", Selvaraj said.

The information provided by the truck driver from BOW tracking points will reach the nearest area franchisee system online, where date compiling and transmission takes place. This information will then reach BOW servers through Internet, he said.

BOW services can be availed by registering with BOW at the nearest area franchisee by a paying a one- time nominal registration fee. The card will however have to be renewed every month, he said.

The system will not only help the vehicles owners but also consignors, consignees, transport companies and agents, he pointed out.

Besides load availability information to vehicle owners, BOW also offers healthcare facility to drivers and cleaners, assistance in case of breakdowns or other emergencies and security arrangements as and when required by the transport industry.

PTI