Bhopal Metro terminates contract with Turkish firm

 

 

 

 

The wait for the Bhopal Metro continues to lengthen. While the previous Government claimed it would be operational by 2023, the current administration has yet to finalise a timeline for Metro operations in Bhopal. Although Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav has invited Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Bhopal for the Metro’s inauguration, the exact launch date remains unclear. Turkish company out, manual ticketing for now: The contract for the Automatic Fare Collection (AFC) system at Bhopal and Indore Metro stations was awarded to a Turkish company. However, following reports of Turkey supplying drones to Pakistan in ‘Operation Sindoor’, Madhya Pradesh Metro has initiated the process to cancel the Turkish company’s tender.

 

The search for an alternative company for automatic fare collection is underway, with a new tender already issued. Even if a new company secures the contract soon, it will take one to one-and-a-half months to install its system. Consequently, the Bhopal Metro is expected to commence operations with manual ticketing. AFC work awarded for Rs 186 crore: The responsibility for automatic fare collection in Bhopal and Indore Metros was given to Assis Guard from Turkey. Assis Guard was tasked with installing 199 gates in Bhopal and 227 at Indore Metro stations. While some gates were installed at a few Indore Metro stations, the software was not implemented. In Bhopal, the company had procured 45 gates, but the Metro Corporation did not grant permission for their installation. With the AFC tender now cancelled, passengers will have to purchase tickets manually.

 

Talks underway with Indian companies for AFC: Officials from the Madhya Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation stated that Assis Guard was awarded a Rs 186 crore tender for automatic fare collection in Bhopal and Indore Metros. This contract included the installation of automatic fare collection systems that would open gates only upon ticket scanning, along with maintenance for a specified period. However, with Assis Guard’s tender now cancelled, discussions have begun with Indian companies for the AFC system. Until a new company begins work, payment options will include manual tickets and UPI QR code-based transactions.

 

One Nation, One Card also under consideration: Officials further explained that the Metro Corporation is exploring companies that can provide services like QR code-based ticketing systems and Common Mobility Cards for automatic fare collection. This aims to enable passengers to use a single card for various transport services, including metro, bus, and rail. This service will be based on the One Nation, One Card concept, integrating transport with shopping and other services, eliminating the need for people to carry multiple cards for payments.