Delhi Metro passengers can now recharge their smart cards via WhatsApp
WhatsApp is rolling out a new facility to ease the commute for metro users in Delhi and NCR. With the rollout of the latest feature, WhatsApp users can now recharge their smart cards issued by the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) through a dedicated chatbot on the instant messaging platform. Apart from recharge services, it also offers other services such as buying tickets, viewing past transactions and contacting customer care. This development comes on the heels of DMRC’s partnership with Airtel Payments Bank to provide commuters with digital payment solutions.
Metro charging via WhatsApp
WhatsApp says that users can access ticketing and chatbot services on the app on both Android and iOS platforms. The facility is available in two languages - English and Hindi – and can be accessed by sending a ‘Hi’ text to +91 8624888568, the number provided by the DMRC. Alternatively, the DMRC chatbot can also be found in the Payments section of WhatsApp, under the Chat with companies choice.
Delhi Metro Smart Card Recharge on WhatsApp
To top up a smart card, users must first select their preferred language and then tap the button. Top up smart card option. The chatbot will then provide a link that will redirect them to a payment gateway. Users can then enter the card number, select the amount and make the payment to complete the top-up.
According to the company, commuters can recharge their smart cards on WhatsApp using various payment methods such as UPI and credit/debit cards. While there is no additional charge for recharging via UPI, there is a 0.40 percent charge for debit card transactions, while a 1.10 percent charge is levied for credit card transactions. The payment services are powered by PeLocal.
WhatsApp says the new Delhi Metro smart card recharge facility is available for all routes in the Delhi and NCR region, including Gurugram’s Rapid Metro. The feature builds on the QR-based Delhi Metro ticketing system enabled by WhatsApp last year. Besides Delhi, states such as Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai, Nagpur and Pune have also integrated WhatsApp into their transport-related services.
