WhatsApp, a Meta-owned messaging platform, is rolling out a new feature to streamline commuting for Metro users in Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR).
This latest update enables users of the instant messaging platform to recharge their smart cards directly through a chatbot on WhatsApp, which are provided by the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC). Along with the top-up service, the chatbot also offers features such as ticket purchase, viewing transaction history, and customer support.
This initiative follows DMRC’s partnership with Airtel Payments Bank to offer digital payment solutions to commuters.
WhatsApp has announced that this smart card recharge feature is available for all Delhi and NCR routes, including the Rapid Metro in Gurugram. This feature builds upon the QR-based Delhi Metro ticketing system that Meta introduced in 2024. Moreover, cities like Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai, Nagpur, and Pune have integrated WhatsApp into their public transportation services.
Smart Card Top-Up via WhatsApp
WhatsApp users on both Android and iOS can now access ticketing and chatbot services within the app. The service is offered in English and Hindi. Users can initiate the service by sending a ‘Hi’ message to DMRC’s official number, +91 9650855800. The DMRC chatbot can also be found in the Payments section of WhatsApp under the Chat with businesses option.
To recharge a smart card, users need to select their language preference and then opt for the Smart Card top-up feature. The chatbot will provide a link to a payment gateway where users can enter their card number, select the amount, and complete the payment.
Commuters have various payment options to recharge their smart cards, including UPI and credit/debit cards. UPI transactions are free, while debit card transactions incur a 0.40% fee and credit card transactions have a 1.10% fee. The payment services are powered by PeLocal.
Published: 30 Jul 2024, 11:00 PM IST
