THEBUSINESSBYTES
BUREAU
NEW
DELHI, APRIL 7, 2026
Bank of Baroda has
introduced bob SAMVAD, an industry-first, AI-powered multilingual
conversational platform designed to transform customer interactions at its
branches, marking a significant leap in inclusive and technology-driven banking
services. The innovative platform was formally launched in Mumbai on March 28,
2026 by M. Nagaraju, Secretary, Department of Financial Services (DFS),
Ministry of Finance.
Developed entirely
in-house, bob SAMVAD enables seamless real-time, low-latency, two-way
communication across 22 languages, ensuring contextual accuracy and natural fluency
while embracing India’s linguistic diversity. The advanced platform is aimed at
eliminating language barriers between customers and bank staff, thereby
enhancing service efficiency and improving customer experience within branches.
M. Nagaraju
congratulated Bank of Baroda on this pioneering initiative and termed the
platform a major step towards inclusive banking. He commended the Bank’s
innovative use of artificial intelligence to bridge language gaps and
strengthen customer service delivery. He noted that bob SAMVAD sets a new
benchmark for the banking sector by promoting accessible and customer-centric
service experiences through technology.
During the visit, Nagaraju
also explored bob Forest, a sustainability-focused initiative developed by the
Bank as part of its broader ESG commitment, following earlier efforts such as
bob Earth, Green Deposits and Green Bonds. The 6,000 sq. ft. green space
created at the Bank’s BKC office in Mumbai aims to promote biodiversity and
contribute to improved air quality, reflecting the institution’s commitment to
environmental responsibility.
Commenting on the
launch, Dr. Debadatta Chand, Managing Director & CEO, Bank of Baroda said,
“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. This initiative reflects our commitment to operational
excellence by combining technology with customer-centric design.”
The application enables customers to speak or input queries in their preferred language, which are instantly translated into the staff member’s chosen language and vice versa, ensuring accurate understanding and efficient service delivery. Conversations are displayed as text on screen, with an optional voice mode converting text into speech, enhancing accessibility for customers who prefer audio interaction.
In its initial phase, bob SAMVAD will be deployed across 250 branches in Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra, followed by a phased expansion across the Bank’s wider branch network, reinforcing Bank of Baroda’s commitment to digital innovation and inclusive banking services.
