Kejriwal to Seek Inquiry Into Delhi Metro Stations Going Cashless

To buy a Delhi Metro ticket at 10 stations, you can now either pay by card or Paytm e-wallet.

Delhi Metro adopting a private player e-wallet for its services doesn’t make sense. (Photo: Reuters)

With ten Delhi metro stations going “cashless” from 1 January, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said he will be seeking an inquiry and also look into the files leading to the decision taken “forcefully”, an allegation earlier denied by DMRC.

“It’s being done forcefully, maybe as directed by the PMO. I will speak to Metro (authorities) and ask for the files. How can they force a decision like this? They are promoting Paytm through this. I will seek an inquiry and look into the files,” Kejriwal told reporters.

DMRC had earlier clarified that more e-wallets would soon be roped in and the contract was awarded to Paytm through an open tender process.

“Since DMRC at present has an ongoing agreement with Paytm, who bagged the contract through open tender process for encouraging cashless smart card top up, so, Paytm was the natural choice to make a start for cashless transactions at 10 stations,” a DMRC statement said.

The stations where the measure has been rolled out 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.

Forced Digitisation?

The cashless transactions for token and smart card purchase or top-up at these stations can be done through Paytm by using QR-code, which will be displayed at token counters or customer care centre of these stations.

Mangu Singh, Chief, DMRC

However, initially, at least one counter will have the option of cash. This forced digitisation could hamper millions of people taking the metro on a day-to-day basis.

These stations have 70 percent or more smart card users, as a result of which cash transactions here are moderate in comparison to other stations and have adequate mobile connectivity as well.

Delhi Metro Official

Refunds, if any, will also be done through Paytm accounts instead of cash and users will receive the refunded amount within four days in their e-wallet.