The challenges were the ambitious timelines: Reshma Desai

Please give details of the RFID based ETC systems executed as the pilot project for NHAI.

Efkon India has implemented India’s first RFID based electronic tolling project at Zirakpur-Parwanoo. This first-of-its-kind project was inaugurated on 19 April, 2012 by the Union Minister for Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, Dr C P Joshi. This is in line with recommendations by a committee of Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI). The second is Yamuna Expressway – the biggest project in India to have RFID systems installed and functional in all lanes. The RFID solution provided at Zirakpur-Parwanoo is scalable to have a multi-plaza interoperability with other toll plazas.

From Infrared based OBUs and microwaves, the traffic world has come a long way in achieving cost effective electronic tolling. Efkon India has taken advantage of the latest international trend to incorporate RFID in both ventures of the Jaypee group. The RFID tag and antenna/reader combination work in tandem to generate an accounting transaction in the back-office – all this while the road user continues to commute across the plaza at a lively speed without any stoppage. However, for Indian conditions, suitable adjustments have been made as not every commuter will be an RFID tag user. The lanes are configurable to switch between MLFF and normal traffic mode giving rise to hybrid lanes – which is the immediate future of Indian electronic tolling mechanism.

What are your other projects and ITS application?

Efkon India has a diversified portfolio, in addition to the execution of India’s largest toll and highway management projects. Efkon India is a primary supplier of vehicle tracking devices for major manufacturers in India. It is also selected as the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) partner for three very prominent commercial vehicle manufacturers in India.

A few of the major Toll and ATMS projects include the Yamuna Expressway – for the Jaypee Group, the Chengapalli-Coimbatore Project & the Indore-Gujarat Project – for IVRCL, and the Pune-Sholapur Expressway – for PSEPL – a SPV for Tata Realty and Infrastructure – Autotrade Indian Infrastructure Development Consortium.

The Vehicles Tracking Systems (VTS) provided by Efkon India have enabled Efkon to grow from a novice service provider to gain market leadership position in one year. That speaks volumes about the quality of its systems and its credibility in the market. It has bagged orders for more than 10,000 devices from topnotch Indian and MNC clients. As many as 7000 GPS devices are being deployed in the current financial year. Efkon, with its specific client oriented service programmes, integrates easily with client ERP systems and offers relevant access to various stakeholders, thus making them ROI efficient. VTS offers a powerful solution backed by rugged field devices manufactured in our own facility. We are running more than 4000 devices for one client, fitted on trucks and moving all across the country with predefined guaranteed SLA (Service Level Agreement).

The Automatic Fare Collection Systems is under implementation in the state of Rajasthan. This is a consortium, led by Efkon India as a solution provider, to install automatic fare collection systems as a part of its Common Mobility Card (CMC) programme run under the Ministry of Urban Transport. As a first step, Efkon India, in consortium with other local and international companies, will provide a complete Automatic Fare Collection solution to Jaipur City Transport buses covering both cash and smart card based payment mechanisms.

Do give a brief on Efkon India.

Efkon India has been in India for over 12 years and has commissioned more than 600 toll lanes and over 35 projects over the last decade. Efkon has a tried and tested mechanism with an ability to undertake and deliver timely turnkey projects as per the requirement.

Efkon is a market leader in the field of providing ITS Solutions. Efkon India enjoys a cutting edge over other competitors when it comes to the management of Toll operations with a willful team and firm local contacts. We provide a single-window solution for concessionaires and tolling authorities by providing services like toll operations including toll collection, stretch surveillance and cash management. The electrification of Toll plaza is another capability added to the portfolio of Efkon India Group.

Efkon India has a strong and innovative portfolio:

1. End to End Solutions for Toll Road

• a. Toll Management System
• b. Advanced Traffic Management Systems
• c. Toll Plaza Electrification
• d. Automatic Number Plate Recognition System

2. Urban Traffic Management Surveillance Systems

3. Vehicle Tracking & Supply Chain Management Solutions

• a. Vehicle Tracking Systems
• b. Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Mapping
• c. Logistics Management
• d. Passenger Information Systems (PIS)
• e. Security & Efficiency Management
• f. Pickup and Delivery Solutions

4. Operations and maintenance for Toll operations and Public Transportation Systems

5. Automatic Fare Collection

Advanced technological know-how and a diverse local presence provide a distinctive blend of domain expertise and global capabilities delivered to local clients.