Cheaper smart cards for new vehicles

The government has asked Delhi Integrated Multi Model Transit System (DIMTS) to provide chip-based optical memory smart cards at less than half the price for all new vehicle registration.

DIMTS is an equal-equity joint venture between the city government and the Infrastructure Development and Finance Corporation (IDFC). The new technology provider will charge Rs 200 per card of which Rs 60 will go to them, according to the agreement.

Last week, the Delhi High Court had ruled in favour of changing the service provider. The agreement was previously with a private company, Shonkh Technologies Limited. “The agreement was cancelled due to delay in service delivery,” said a senior transport department official.

Shonkh Technologies used to charge Rs 416 per smart card. The firm has issued over 59 lakh computerised vehicle registration certificates in the last 11 years, according to reports.

The BJP has alleged corruption in the awarding of contract to the private firm. Delhi unit president Harsh Vardhan said that the vehicle registration process had a financial implication of Rs 162 crore.

Shonkh Technology was awarded the contract for issuing 40 lakh smart cards by the Delhi government, said the BJP. Meanwhile, Vardhan has asked the Lt. Governor Najeeb Jung for a CBI probe under the supervision of the High Court.