Hitachi Rail bags Automatic Fare Collection System Contract for Bangalore Metro Phase 2

Bengaluru, India (Metro Rail Today): In a major development for Bengaluru Metro’s upcoming expansion, Hitachi Rail GTS India Private Limited has been awarded a ₹76 crore contract by the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) for the design, supply, and commissioning of an advanced Automatic Fare Collection (AFC) system for Phase 2A and 2B of the Namma Metro project.

The Letter of Acceptance (LoA) was officially issued on November 7, 2025, following a detailed technical and financial evaluation process.

BMRCL had invited tenders for the AFC system earlier this year, with a completion timeline of 441 days. Technical bids were opened on May 28, 2025, revealing participation from five firms.

Following the evaluation on September 22, bids from three firms were rejected. Financial bids were subsequently opened on September 24, and final evaluation took place on November 7, during which one additional bid was disqualified.

Hitachi Rail GTS India emerged as the lowest bidder (L1) with a quote of ₹76 crore, outperforming TVM Signalling and Transportation Systems Pvt. Ltd, which had quoted ₹99.2 crore.

The contract covers the Design, Manufacture, Supply, Installation, Testing, and Commissioning of the Automatic Fare Collection System (SLE, SC & CCS) for Bengaluru Metro Phase 2A and 2B, along with integration with the existing AFC infrastructure.

The upgraded fare collection system is expected to enhance passenger convenience, reduce queuing time, and improve revenue management through modern digital and contactless payment technologies.

Phase 2A and 2B of the Bengaluru Metro Rail Project will extend the Green Line and Airport Line, covering over 58 km and significantly improving connectivity between Central Bengaluru, Outer Ring Road (ORR), and the Kempegowda International Airport.

Once operational, the new lines will support Bengaluru’s fast-growing tech corridors and enhance multimodal integration through smart ticketing and unified payment systems.

“The selection of Hitachi Rail to supply the AFC system marks another step toward modernising Bengaluru’s metro infrastructure,” said Mrs. Mamta Shah, MD & CEO of Urban Infra Group. “With digital payment integration and seamless interoperability, this upgrade will make Namma Metro one of the most commuter-friendly networks in India.”

The new AFC system aligns with BMRCL’s broader digital transformation vision, integrating smart mobility features such as QR code-based tickets, NCMC cards, and mobile payment gateways. These advancements will further enable smoother interchanges between different transport modes, in line with the National Common Mobility Card (NCMC) initiative.