Hitachi Rail wins AFC System Tender for Corridor 3 & 5 of Chennai Metro Phase 2

Chennai, India (Rail & Metro Today): Hitachi Rail RCS France SAS has emerged as the Lowest Bidder (L1) for a major Automatic Fare Collection (AFC) System Station Equipment tender floated by Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) for the Phase II development of Corridors 3 and 5. The tender is valued at approximately ₹263. crore.

The contract is aimed at strengthening the fare collection and passenger management infrastructure across Chennai Metro’s expanding Phase II network. The AFC system will form a critical part of the passenger interface, enabling seamless ticketing, entry and exit validation, and integration with Chennai Metro’s wider fare management ecosystem.

Hitachi Rail Emerges as L1 Bidder

According to the tender outcome, Hitachi Rail RCS France SAS has emerged as the L1 bidder for the AFC System Station Equipment package. The company has a strong global presence in railway signalling, digital mobility, ticketing and fare collection technologies.

Nippon Signal India Private Limited emerged as the L2 bidder, while the bid submitted by EXEO Global Pte Ltd was rejected during the tender evaluation process.

• L1: Hitachi Rail RCS France SAS: ₹263.64 Crore
• L2: Nippon Signal India Private Limited: ₹287.40 Crore

The tender has an estimated value of ₹270.00 crore, making it one of the significant systems packages associated with the ongoing development of Chennai Metro Phase II.

AFC System to Support Chennai Metro Phase II

The Automatic Fare Collection system is an essential component of modern metro rail operations. It facilitates automated passenger entry and exit, fare validation, ticketing and revenue management while reducing dependence on manual ticketing processes.

For Chennai Metro Phase II, the AFC infrastructure will support the growing passenger volumes expected across the new corridors and provide commuters with faster and more convenient access to metro services.

The deployment is expected to contribute to a more integrated and technology-driven passenger experience as Chennai Metro expands its network across the city.

Chennai Metro Phase II Expansion

Chennai Metro Phase II comprises the development of three major corridors covering approximately 118.9 km, with Corridors 3 and 5 forming important components of the planned expansion.

The procurement of advanced systems such as AFC, signalling, telecommunications and rolling stock is progressing alongside the civil construction works. These systems will collectively support the safe, efficient and seamless operation of the expanded metro network.

The selection of Hitachi Rail RCS France SAS as L1 for the AFC Station Equipment package marks another important procurement milestone for Chennai Metro Phase II.