Madhya Pradesh Metro to launch 'One Nation, One Card'

14 Jun 2024 CW Team

Madhya Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation (MPMRCL) has restarted the process of introducing the National Common Mobility Card (NCMC), also known as 'one nation one card', an interoperable transport card. The card is intended for multiple uses, including public transport ticketing services, in Bhopal and Indore. MPMRCL, starting afresh, has an advantage in implementing this system.

Previously, the city bus operator in Bhopal had faced difficulties in implementing the system. The initiative had been proposed first in October 2023 and then again in February this year, following the announcement by Bhopal City Link (BCLL), a subsidiary of BMC. However, BCLL, after discussions with financial institutions, was unable to secure PPP-mode participation and found transitioning to a new money transaction platform challenging within their current setup.

In October, the MPMRCL proposal was valued at Rs 2.30 billion, while BCLL's proposal estimated around Rs 100 million for a fleet of approximately 250 buses. This week, MPMRCL has once again invited institutions to offer services related to Open Loop NCMC, transaction acquiring, and AFC integration.

The project aims to complete all works, including 57 stations in Indore and Bhopal, within 200 weeks, followed by a 364-week service period that includes defect liability and comprehensive maintenance. Funding for this package is expected from equity contributions of the Union government and the state government.

The NCMC and EMV cards, along with various payment portals, are set to serve as fare media and facilitate processing of transactions for merchants using debit/credit/prepaid card reader hardware or terminals.

The Bhopal Metro Rail Project, designated as a National Priority City by the Union government, has yet to commence passenger operations.

Infrastructure Urban

06 Jul 2026

ABS Marine Sees CRISIL Credit Rating Upgrade

ABS Marine Services has secured an upgrade to its long term and short term credit ratings from CRISIL, reflecting improved profitability and revenue growth through long term contracts. CRISIL moved the long term rating from BBB+/Stable to A-/Stable and revised the short term rating from A2 to A2+. The action signals strengthened financial metrics and operational resilience. The company benefited from durable client relationships with firms such as ONGC and Schlumberger. The rating decision followed stronger cash flows and an enlarged bank loan facility, which increased from Rs 3,705 million (m..

Project BRAHMANK Marks 16 Years Of Strategic Roads In Arunachal

Project BRAHMANK is marking 16 years of work to establish strategic road and bridge links across Arunachal Pradesh, maintaining and developing 811 kilometres of roads and nearly 86 bridges that range from small culverts to large steel and arch bridges. These transport links are described as critical for ensuring year-round movement of defence personnel, equipment and essential supplies while improving everyday travel for people in remote villages. The project balances national security requirements with regional development by focusing on reliable access in challenging terrain. Notable enginee..

Longleng CSOs Give One Week Ultimatum Over Two-Lane Highway

Civil society organisations (CSOs) in Longleng district have demanded immediate restoration of the deteriorating Changtongya–Longleng two-lane road and sought a detailed status report on the stalled construction within one week. The demand followed a consultative meeting convened under the Phom Peoples' Council (PPC) to discuss welfare and development concerns. PPC president YB Angam Phom said prolonged non-maintenance had caused hardship to commuters and affected transportation, local commerce and the district's development. The meeting urged authorities to undertake immediate restoration a..