The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has taken a significant step towards enhancing passenger convenience by introducing the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) option for payments at ticket vending machines (TVMs) and customer care counters across its network. This move aligns with the vision of Digital India and aims to streamline ticketing services, providing a digital and seamless mode of travel for commuters.
With this upgrade, passengers can now recharge their smart cards or purchase metro QR tickets using UPI payments supported mobile applications through smartphones, similar to everyday payment experiences at shopping malls and grocery stores. This initiative eliminates the need to carry cash or debit/credit cards, reducing the load on commuters’ wallets.
The DMRC had initially introduced the UPI facility on select TVMs in the Noida and Ghaziabad section in 2018. However, with the recent exercise, TVMs at over 125 stations in the Delhi-NCR network have been upgraded, and the remaining TVMs with UPI facilities will be extended within a week’s time.
To execute this upgrade of the complete ecosystem of the Automatic Fare Collection system, which enables travel through QR Tickets and NCMC, the DMRC engaged a consortium of Revenue Collection Systems (Thales), France SAS, and Paytm Payments Bank.
The Delhi Metro has always been focused on ensuring reliability and safety in train operations. The ticketing and passenger control are facilitated through the Automatic Fare Collection System, which was introduced in the country for the first time. Entries and exits to metro stations are controlled by flap-doors operated by ‘smart-cards’ and contactless tokens.
The extended UPI payment facility was launched by Dr. Vikas Kumar, Managing Director of DMRC, at the Rajiv Chowk Metro station. Jean-Marc Reynaud, MD of Revenue Collection Systems (Thales), and Abhay Sharma, Chief Business Officer of Paytm Payments Bank, along with other senior DMRC officials, were also present on the occasion.
Delhi Metro today extended the option of payment by Unified Payments Interface (UPI) at its Ticket Vending Machines (TVMs) and ticket counters across its network. This extended facility was launched today by Dr. Vikas Kumar, MD/DMRC from Rajiv Chowk Metro Station. pic.twitter.com/DP7sOFkSq7
— Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (@OfficialDMRC) August 3, 2023
The DMRC’s commitment to enhancing passenger convenience and embracing digital payment methods further solidifies its position as a pioneer in providing efficient and modern transportation services in India.