WionDrive News Desk 
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, has now been extended 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 ticket-buying process. For instance, 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, a payment page appears, offering a UPI payment option. Commuters can then scan the QR code with their smartphones to complete the transaction.
“… if a commuter wants to travel to DumDum he has to type the first letter of the station i.e. D only on the screen then an auto-pop-up will come on the screen showing all the station’s name starting with D. After that, he/she needs to select the station name on the screen and then the payment page will appear. On the payment page, option of UPI Payment will be displayed and then after selecting the UPI Payment option required payment can be made by scanning the QR code with the help of smart phone,” it said.
This modern ticketing system has already been introduced at 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.
After witnessing an overwhelming positive response from Metro users, authorities are contemplating expanding this alternative UPI-based ticketing option to the Ruby-New Garia and Joka-Taratala sections in the near future, benefiting more passengers, the statement said.
The Unified Payments Interface (UPI) Based Ticketing System has been implemented by Metro Railway officials in collaboration with the State Bank of India and the Centre for Railway Information Systems (CRIS).
