New Delhi: Ten stations of the Delhi Metro will go “cashless” from 1 January letting commuters recharge smart cards and buy tokens using digital platforms.
Metro said the decision has been taken to encourage people to embrace the Centre’s vision of a cashless economy. Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) chief Mangu Singh said people will have the option to pay through mobile wallets such as Paytm in this regard.
“The cashless transactions for token and smart card purchase or top up at these stations can be done through Paytm by using QR-code, which will be displayed at token counters or customer care centre of these stations,” Singh said.
However, initially, at least one counter will have the option of cash. The stations where the measure will be rolled out are Rohini East and Rohini West on Red Line; MG Road Station on Yellow Line; Mayur Vihar Phase-I, Nirman Vihar, Tilak Nagar, Janakpuri West, and Noida Sector-15 on Blue Line; and Nehru Place and Kailash Colony on Violet Line.
“These stations have 70% or more smart card users as a result of which cash transactions here are moderate in comparison to other stations and have adequate mobile connectivity as well,” an official said. Refunds, if any, will also be done through Paytm accounts instead of cash and users will receive the refunded amount within four days in their e-wallet.
After facing criticism over its plan to make 10 stations “cashless”, the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation clarified that the option to use cash in Ticket Vending Machines and counters will still be operational.
“Ticket Vending Machines (TVMs) and POS (point of sale) machines are also available at these stations where a passenger can easily get his transaction done in cash/ credit/debit card,” the statement said.
Source//PTI
