Imagine waiting at a bus stop, excited to explore a new city. The bus arrives, and you settle into your seat, eager for the journey ahead. But as the bus starts moving, the blazing sun streams in through the window, ruining your mood. The thought lingers: If only I’d chosen the other side of the bus.
Now, what if you could predict which side of the bus would be shaded during your trip? Enter Veyil, an app with a refreshingly simple yet ingenious solution to an everyday problem.
Developed by a group of tech-savvy Keralites, Veyil is designed for those who rely on public transport. Its key feature? Helping users identify which side of the bus will stay cooler and shaded during the journey.
Using the Veyil app is simple and intuitive — just input your starting point, destination, travel time, and day. The app then analyses your route using GPS and a precise 100-metre-by-100-metre grid, calculating sunlight angles to determine the sunniest and shadiest spots. It provides real-time guidance on whether to sit on the left or right side of the bus for maximum comfort.
What sets Veyil apart is its philosophy of micro-utility — the belief that small, practical solutions can address significant inconveniences. Its creators believe in empowering users with tools that simplify daily experiences, one journey at a time.
This philosophy comes to life through heartfelt stories from users. “Once we got a message from a lady thanking us for the app. She shared that because of Veyil, her newborn is able to sleep well during bus journeys,” says Hadi.
The idea of the app took root in 2019 when Muran Hadi Rasheed, T S Sreelal, and Hudaifa Abdul Naseer decided to harness technology to solve common travel issues. In May 2024, the complete version of the app was released. Accessible as both an app and a website, Veyil ensures easy usability for everyone.
More than just a travel aid, Veyil is a testament to innovation born from empathy and local insight. As it gains popularity, it’s set to change how people perceive public transport.
With plans to incorporate weather updates and further optimise shade-tracking, the app serves as a shining example of how technology can serve life’s little comforts.
So, next time you hop on a bus or train, remember — cool shade is just an app away.
Check out the app here.
Edited by Khushi Arora; All images courtesy Hadi Rasheed
