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To streamline ticketing processes and enhance commuter convenience, Kolkata Metro Railway is set to revolutionize its payment system by introducing digital transactions. The initiative, announced on Tuesday, aims to alleviate the common inconvenience faced by passengers when exact change is unavailable at ticket counters.
Scheduled for implementation in the East-West Metro corridor, colloquially referred to as the Green Line, the new payment method will leverage Unified Payments Interface (UPI) technology. This innovation will enable commuters to make ticket purchases using their smartphones, eliminating the need for cash transactions.
Collaborating with the State Bank of India and the Centre for Railway Information Systems (CRIS), the Metro Railway authorities are spearheading the transition towards digital ticketing. To ensure its efficacy, the General Manager of Metro Railway recently conducted a trial run at Sealdah station within the East-West Metro network.
Under the proposed system, commuters will simply need to specify their destination to the ticketing agent and then scan a QR Code displayed at the counter using their smartphones. Following the successful payment transaction, a QR Code-based paper ticket will be generated, granting passengers access to the Metro services.
Moreover, the digital payment system will extend beyond ticket purchases, enabling commuters to conveniently recharge their smart cards through the same platform. This comprehensive approach underscores the Metro Railway's commitment to enhancing passenger experience and embracing technological advancements.
Once the trial phase concludes and the system proves its efficiency, it will be officially implemented across the Green Line. Subsequently, plans are underway to extend this digital ticketing facility to other Metro corridors, including the Dakshineswar-New Garia, Ruby-New Garia, and Joka-Taratala routes.
This initiative marks a significant milestone in Kolkata Metro's journey towards modernization and aligns with the broader national agenda of promoting digital transactions and cashless economies. By embracing UPI-based ticketing, the Metro Railway aims to simplify commuter transactions, reduce queues at ticket counters, and provide a seamless travel experience for passengers across its network.
