Kolkata Metro has introduced a Unified Payments Interface (UPI) payment-based ticketing system across all automatic smart card recharge machines (ASCRM) on the North-South corridor, enhancing convenience for commuters. This system, previously implemented on the Howrah Maidan-Esplanade and Sector V-Sealdah corridors of the East-West Metro, now extends to the entire Blue Line (Dakshineswar-New Garia).
In a statement released on Sunday, Metro Railway Kolkata announced that commuters can now purchase tokens or recharge smart cards at any station on the North-South corridor using UPI payments. The new system simplifies the process of buying tickets. For example, to travel to DumDum, a commuter needs to type ‘D’ on the screen, which will auto-populate all station names starting with ‘D’. After selecting the station, the payment page appears, offering a UPI payment option. Commuters can then scan the QR code with their smartphones to complete the transaction.
This modern ticketing system has already been introduced in all stations of Green Line 1 and Green Line 2. Following a positive response from Metro users, authorities are considering extending this facility to the Ruby-New Garia and Joka-Taratala sections to further benefit commuters.
Metro Railway authorities, in collaboration with the State Bank of India and the Centre for Railway Information Systems (CRIS), have rolled out this UPI-based ticketing system to enhance the commuter experience and streamline the ticket purchasing process.
(With inputs from agencies)