In a statement, GMRC said the two companies together will be responsible for setting up the automatic fare collection system at the 38 upcoming stations in Surat and the execution of digital payment solutions at these stations via NCMC and Mobile QR ticketing.

The payment systems will also accept other bank’s NCMC issued cards. At stations, PayCraft Solutions and Airtel Payments Bank will issue NCMC and EMV cards, which will enable seamless travel on Surat Metro and on other open loop implemented transport systems across the country, along with retail purchases and e-commerce transactions.

Sunil Kaushal, Chief Operating Officer of PayCraft, said, “The partnership between PayCraft Solutions, Airtel Payment Bank and Gujarat Metro Rail Corporation will improve the customer experience by providing seamless ticketing journey. This digitalisation will help us promote safe, seamless and contactless travel and reduce congestion on ticket counters.”

Gaurav Seth, Chief Finance Officer and Head, Institutional Business, of Airtel Payments Bank, said: “This will improve customer experience and speed up passenger turnaround time considerably. Airtel Payments Bank is working to create a safe and convenient digital payment ecosystem for users. Our Partnership with GMRC is one more step in this direction.”

The GMRC, which is building the Surat Metro, is a 50:50 joint venture between the Union and the Gujarat governments. The work will be carried out in two phases. While the first corridor of 21.58 km will be set up between Sarthana and Dream city at Khajod, the second corridor will be of 18.74 km between Bhesan and Saroli.