Asis Elektronik wins AFC contract for Bhopal and Indore Metro Rail Projects

Bhopal, India (Metro Rail Today): In a significant development for the urban transportation sector, Turkey-based Asis Elektronik ve Bilişim Sistemleri A.Ş emerged as the successful bidder for the Automatic Fare Collection (AFC) contract (Package BHIN-07-01) for both the Indore Metro and Bhopal Metro’s Phase 1 projects. The announcement was made by the Madhya Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation Ltd. (MPMRCL), marking a milestone in the modernization efforts of these metro systems.

This contract, to be executed under the public-private partnership (PPP) model, entails a comprehensive scope of responsibilities for the selected contractor. As per the terms, the contractor will undertake the design, manufacture, supply, installation, testing, and commissioning of an end-to-end Open loop EMV (RuPay/Master/Visa) NCMC card-based AFC system and QR code-based ticketing infrastructure. Each component of this system will be seamlessly integrated into a central back-office AFC system, ensuring efficient and user-friendly fare collection mechanisms for commuters.

The invitation for tenders for this crucial contract was extended by MPMRCL in March 2022, setting a deadline of four years and estimating a budget of ₹230 crore. Following a rigorous evaluation process, technical bids were opened in February, revealing a competitive landscape with three bidders vying for the opportunity. However, Shellinfo, a prominent contender with recent successes in Chennai Metro Rail Phase 2 projects, was disqualified during the evaluation phase.

The financial bid values presented by the remaining firms further underscored the competitiveness of the bidding process. Asis Elektronik ve Bilişim Sistemleri A.Ş demonstrated a strong position with a bid of ₹186.52 crore, significantly below MPMRCL’s estimate. This favorable bid places Asis in a favorable position for the contract award, likely to be finalized in the ensuing weeks without protracted financial bid evaluations. Here are the financial positions of the each bidder:-

• Asis Elektronik ve Bilişim Sistemleri A.Ş: ₹186.52 crore
• NEC Corporation India Pvt. Ltd.: ₹204.57 crore

Asis Elektronik’s track record in securing and executing similar contracts speaks volumes about its expertise and reliability in the domain of metro system modernization. The company has previously secured contracts for Pune Metro Phase 1, Kochi Metro Phase 1, and Mumbai Metro Line 3, collaborating with esteemed entities like HDFC Bank, Axis Bank, and Kalindee Rail Nirman.

In a related development, the financial banking contract for both the Indore and Bhopal Metros’ AFC systems witnessed participation from State Bank of India (SBI) in October 2022, further highlighting the robust interest and investment in enhancing public transportation infrastructure.

As the urban landscape continues to evolve with rapid urbanization and growing commuter demands, investments in modernizing metro systems play a pivotal role in ensuring sustainable and efficient mobility solutions. The successful conclusion of the AFC contract marks a significant step forward in this trajectory, promising enhanced convenience and reliability for commuters traversing the Bhopal and Indore metros.

Asis Elektronik’s successful bid for the Bhopal and Indore Metros’ Automatic Fare Collection contract heralds a new chapter in the modernization journey of Madhya Pradesh’s urban transportation infrastructure. With its competitive bid and proven track record, Asis is poised to deliver cutting-edge fare collection systems, enhancing the commuting experience for millions across the region.