After criticism, Delhi Metro’s cashless drive for 10 stations grounded for now

Delhi Metro’s ambitious drive to turn 10 stations cashless has been grounded after criticism against from several quarters including Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal.

A senior DMRC official said application of e-wallet companies like Paytm in the present form “are not suitable” to be used in the metro system due to large volume of transactions it handles on a daily basis.

Kejriwal had questioned the decision to involve only Paytm in the process and had said he would seek an inquiry and also look into the relevant files.

“All other digital options of making payment over the counters are being re-examined. However, the existing avenues offered for digitisation like the use of Debit cards are continuing,” the official said.

DMRC had earlier clarified that more e-wallet companies would soon be roped in and the contract was awarded to Paytm through an open tender process. Sources maintained that the drive, that was to be rolled out on January 1, has been put on hold solely due to logistical issues.

“The special drive at 10 stations was aimed at bringing awareness among the commuters about the already available digital options on the system,” an official said.

The stations that were chosen for this purpose 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.