Executive context & proposition
Metro and urban transit networks need payment systems that support fast passenger movement, reliable fare collection and convenient access across modes. The National Common Mobility Card (NCMC) creates a framework for interoperable contactless mobility payments, while QR acceptance and digital recharge channels can extend access to passengers using different devices and payment preferences.
At Airtel Payments Bank, Afzal developed the bank's NCMC strategy and product line across prepaid and account-based ticketing pathways. The work connected product strategy with metro procurement, partner coordination and government stakeholder engagement, helping establish the bank as a credible participant in the transit payments ecosystem.
Architecture & tender approach
The NCMC proposition involved evaluating how the bank's prepaid and account-based capabilities could participate in transit ticketing and fare-collection environments. EMV-based open-loop acceptance, transit AFC integration, customer onboarding and digital servicing were important parts of tender and partner discussions. Scope and delivery responsibilities depended on each metro's procurement requirements and consortium structure.
For DMRC OSR-01/2021, Afzal created the online and mobile smart-card recharge line of business at Airtel Payments Bank and drove tender groundwork and submission. The DMRC letter of award was issued after his departure from the bank; originating the business and the later award are distinct milestones.
Institutional & partner ecosystem
For Gujarat Metro Rail Corporation's Surat Metro, Afzal participated in the NCMC EMV-based AFC tender through an Airtel Payments Bank–PayCraft Solutions consortium, with Airtel identified as lead member. This describes consortium participation and does not imply that the tender was awarded to the consortium.
At Mumbai Metro, he introduced QR-based payment acceptance at stations. He also reviewed DMRC AFC DS24 tender documentation for a Phase IV and network-upgrade opportunity with an approximate NIT cost of ₹411.61 crore inclusive of taxes and duties. Reviewing the opportunity does not imply that a bid was awarded or a contract delivered.
Business impact & evidence
The work created a defined NCMC and transit payments strategy for Airtel Payments Bank, established the online/mobile DMRC smart-card recharge business line and advanced the bank's participation in metro AFC and NCMC procurement processes. It brought together product development, digital servicing, tender preparation and institutional stakeholder management.
The outcomes are ecosystem and capability building: a transit-focused line of business, participation in strategic metro opportunities, QR payment acceptance at Mumbai Metro stations and a roadmap spanning prepaid and account-based ticketing. The ₹411.61 crore figure is an approximate tender NIT cost, not revenue earned by the bank or personal financial impact.
