Ritik Gupta
In order to go contactless, Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has agreed to install Quick Response (QR) codes by up-gradation of Automatic Fare Collection System (AFCS).
DMRC has invited Expression of Interest (EOI) from private firms for the up-gradation work.
“DMRC has invited expressions of interest for implementation of QR code, EMV (enabled Account-Based Ticketing (Master/VISA), and RuPay based ticketing,” said Anup Dayal, Executive Director – corporate communications, DMRC.
“In order to upgrade the ticketing technology, DMRC envisages to upgrade the existing Automatic Fare Collection System to enable the QR Code, EMV (Account-Based Ticketing) and Rupay based open-loop ticketing following the NCMC standard model as specified by MoHUA (Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs) for interoperability with other operators by use of non-proprietary standards so that the interface is scalable to other networks (transit operator/retail outlets/parking, etc.) in Delhi/NCR,” he added.
Presently, the QR code ticketing system is only installed at the Airport Express line for buying tickets. It also supports the National Common Mobility Card (NCMC) launched last year by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The Delhi metro stayed shut for about six months due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It was closed in March and reopened in September. While the DMRC has already installed various safety precautions for passengers, moving cashless and contactless may bring more people back to using the travel service.
