Key Points
- Bank of Baroda launches AI platform enabling real-time translation across 22 Indian languages
- Platform to roll out first in 250 branches across five southern and western states
- System translates spoken queries instantly between customers and staff in different languages
Bank of Baroda has launched an artificial intelligence platform that allows customers and branch staff to communicate in 22 different Indian languages in real time, even when neither speaks the other’s language. The platform, called bob SAMVAD, was unveiled in Mumbai on 28 March 2026.
M Nagaraju, Secretary, Department of Financial Services, formally launched the service at the bank’s Bandra Kurla Complex office. The platform uses AI to translate spoken or typed queries instantly, displaying the translated text on screen with an optional voice output.
The system addresses a practical challenge in Indian banking: customers who speak regional languages often struggle to communicate with staff who may not share the same mother tongue. Under the new system, a customer speaking Tamil can have their query translated instantly into Hindi or English for the staff member, with the response converted back into Tamil.
How the platform works
The technology uses speech recognition to capture what a customer says, translates it using AI language models and displays the result as text. The staff member sees the query in their chosen language and responds in that language; the system then translates the reply back for the customer.
An audio mode converts the text to speech for customers who prefer listening over reading. The bank said the system operates with low latency, meaning the delay between speaking and seeing the translation is minimal, allowing for natural back-and-forth conversation.
The platform was built entirely by Bank of Baroda’s internal technology teams rather than through external vendors.
Phased rollout across southern and western India
Bank of Baroda will deploy bob SAMVAD first in 250 branches across Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra. These states were chosen for the initial phase, the bank said, with a larger rollout across its branch network to follow.
Debadatta Chand, Managing Director and CEO of Bank of Baroda, said the platform reflects the bank’s focus on making branches more accessible. “With bob SAMVAD, Bank of Baroda is leveraging AI to make our branches more inclusive and customer-friendly by enabling seamless real-time conversations in local languages,” Chand said.
Nagaraju, speaking at the launch, said the initiative sets a benchmark for the banking sector. He said bob SAMVAD would promote more inclusive and accessible service delivery and help improve customer service at branches.
Your Questions, Answered
What is Bank of Baroda's bob SAMVAD platform?
bob SAMVAD is an AI-powered system that translates spoken or typed queries between customers and bank staff in real time. It supports 22 Indian languages, allowing a customer speaking one language to communicate with staff who speak another.
Which languages does bob SAMVAD support?
The platform supports 22 languages, covering India's major regional and official languages. Bank of Baroda has not released the complete list but the system is designed to address linguistic diversity across the country.
Where will bob SAMVAD be available first?
The platform will roll out initially in 250 branches across Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra. A wider deployment across Bank of Baroda's branch network will follow in phases.
How does the AI translation system work at bank branches?
Customers speak or type their query in their preferred language. The AI converts speech to text, translates it and displays the result for the staff member. Responses are translated back the same way. An optional audio mode reads translations aloud.
