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Google’s facial recognition tech to replace smart cards in Bengaluru metro trains
Google’s facial recognition tech to replace smart cards in Bengaluru metro trains

Google’s facial recognition tech to replace smart cards in Bengaluru metro trains

BMRCL plans to introduce the technology at its automatic fare collection gates.

Published Updated

Key takeaways

  • BMRCL plans to implement Google’s facial recognition technology at automatic fare collection gates in Bengaluru metro trains.
  • The technology aims to replace smart cards to address demand for monthly passes and prevent card misuse.
  • BMRCL recently signed an MoU with Google for real-time train updates on Google Maps.
  • The corporation is also working with TRAI to facilitate 5G technology in metro infrastructure.
  • Facial recognition technology remains a controversial topic due to ethical concerns globally.
5 min

The Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation (BMRCL) has plans to use Google’s facial recognition technology to replace smart cards/tokens at the automatic fare collection (AFC) gates. Namma Metro commuters use the smart card to open the gates.

BMRCL has decided to use the facial recognition technology on the back of strong demand for monthly passes and also to prevent multiple riders from using the same card simultaneously.

Earlier this week, BMRCL signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Google to provide commuters in Bangalore with real-time updates on train movements on Google Maps.

BMRCL is also collaborating with the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) to help telcos set up small cells for 5G technology in Metro piers. The project will initially be tried in a two kilometre stretch between MG Road and Ulsoor Metro stations.

Facial recognition has been a controversial topic around the world, with growing concerns around the potentially unethical use of the technology.

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