DMRC to implement Advanced AFC System for Bhopal and Indore Metro Rail Projects

New Delhi, India (Metro Rail Today): The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) on Monday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Madhya Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation Limited (MPMRCL) to design and implement a state-of-the-art Automatic Fare Collection (AFC) system for the upcoming Bhopal and Indore Metro projects.

Under the agreement, DMRC will be responsible for the design, supply, installation, testing, commissioning and maintenance of the modern AFC system, drawing on its extensive experience in deploying advanced ticketing and fare management solutions across metro rail networks in India and overseas.

The proposed AFC system will enable seamless, secure and contactless fare payment, supporting a wide range of payment options including:

• Smart cards

• QR code-based ticketing

• Digital and mobile payment platforms

• Future-ready integrations for emerging payment technologies

Officials said the system will significantly enhance passenger convenience, reduce queuing time at stations and ensure robust and transparent revenue management for both metro networks.

DMRC’s AFC solutions are widely considered among the most reliable and scalable in the country, having been successfully implemented not only on the Delhi Metro network but also on several other metro projects across India.

The MoU highlights growing inter-state collaboration in urban transport development, with DMRC continuing to play a pivotal role as a technical, operational and knowledge partner for new and upcoming metro systems.

By adopting a uniform and advanced AFC platform, the Bhopal and Indore Metro projects are expected to align closely with national standards for urban rail operations, passenger services and digital ticketing ecosystems.

Officials noted that standardisation will also support smoother interoperability and future integration with other urban transport modes.

Commenting on the development, Mrs. Mamta Shah, MD & CEO, Urban Infra Group, said:

“A modern Automatic Fare Collection system is the backbone of any efficient metro network. DMRC’s proven expertise in AFC implementation will help Bhopal and Indore Metros adopt secure, scalable and passenger-friendly ticketing solutions from day one. Such collaborations accelerate the adoption of smart mobility standards across Indian cities.”

With construction progressing on the Bhopal and Indore Metro projects, the implementation of a future-ready AFC system is expected to play a crucial role in ensuring operational efficiency, passenger satisfaction and long-term financial sustainability of the networks.

DMRC’s involvement further reinforces its position as India’s leading metro rail knowledge institution, supporting cities across the country in building modern, digitally enabled urban transit systems.