BANGALORE: BMRCL has selected a new platform to manage the Automated Fare Collection (AFC) systems of the operational phases of the Metro. The MIFARE DESFire platform, developed by NXP semiconductors is expected to improve the travel experience to Metro users.
“This is part of our efforts to provide advanced services to passengers. We are working with State Bank of India to popularise India’s first banking debit-cum-transit card, and also plan to introduce easy recharge options like pay-as-you-go systems,” said A S Shankar, BMRCL’s chief engineer (S&T) in a press release.
The DESFire platform is in used by Delhi Metro and Indian Railways Information Systems. It is an open architecture platform built specifically for public transport ticketing systems.
“It provides increased security and fast transaction time of 220 milliseconds,” said Ashok Chandak, senior director, Global Sales and Marketing, NXP Semiconductors. “The platform will also be compatible with future plans for an integrated debit cum transit card that the Metro is planning in a tie up with State Bank of India,” added Chandak.
Shifting of Ambedkar’s Statue Opposed
Members of Karnataka Dalit Sangarsha Samithi staged a protest in front of the DC’s office on Monday against the Cabinet’s decision to shift Dr B R Ambedkar’s statue in front of Vidhana Soudha to pave way for the Bangalore Metro work. Alleging that the State government has taken this decision without consulting Dalits, N Murthy state-president of the Samithi, said, “The government has taken this decision by only consulting the Dalit workers in BJP and the prize seekers. We condemn this move as the statue once removed, will remain removed forever.” He also alleged that the government has taken this decision as some politicians feel that looking at Ambedkar’s statue is a bad omen. They also urged the government an exclusive budget for Dalits.