Delhi Metro Sees 73% Revenue from Digital Payments in 2023

Digital Payments Dominate Delhi Metro Revenue, But Cash Still Holds Ground

The Delhi Metro has seen a dramatic shift in payment methods over the past eight years, with nearly three-fourths of its revenue now coming from cashless transactions. In 2023, digital payments accounted for 73.56% of earnings, a stark contrast to 2018 when cash made up 77.93% of revenue. This reversal highlights the growing adoption of digital tools like Smart Cards, QR code-based tickets, and National Common Mobility Cards (NCMC) among commuters.

Why Smart Cards Still Lead

Despite the push for digitisation, Smart Cards remain the preferred choice for around half of Delhi Metro riders. Officials attribute this to their convenience—allowing faster entry and exit—and the fare discounts they offer. Habit also plays a role in their continued popularity. Meanwhile, the Virtual Smart Card, introduced in September 2024 as a dynamic QR code, is used by only 3% of passengers.

Expanding QR Ticketing Options

QR-based tickets have gained traction, accounting for 27% of transactions. Of this, 18% comes from QR paper tickets purchased at counters or vending machines, while 9% is from digital QR tickets booked through platforms like Paytm, PhonePe, WhatsApp, and ONDC-linked apps such as Rapido and Uber. The rollout of QR ticketing across the entire Metro network was completed only recently, in October 2023, after years of gradual expansion.

NCMC: A Key Part of the Digitisation Push

The NCMC, introduced under the “One Nation, One Card” scheme, represents 20% of Metro trips today. First launched on the Airport Express Line in December 2020, it became operational across the entire network in June 2023. Airtel Payments Bank partnered with the Delhi Metro earlier this year to simplify NCMC top-ups through its app. Officials see NCMC as a crucial step toward enabling interoperable travel across Metro systems nationwide.

Why the Shift Matters

The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has actively promoted digital payments to reduce queues at ticket counters, minimize cash handling, and streamline commuter experiences. This shift reflects broader trends in urban transport digitisation, aiming to make public transit more efficient and accessible. The adoption of various digital tools also aligns with government efforts to integrate mobility systems under a unified framework.

A Gradual Evolution

The digitisation journey has been marked by incremental changes and partnerships. DMRC first introduced online Smart Card recharge in 2014, followed by UPI-based recharges through Paytm in 2016 and PhonePe in 2018. QR ticketing began on the Airport Express Line in 2018 and expanded network-wide only in 2023. Similarly, NCMC took nearly three years to roll out across the Metro system. These staggered launches highlight the complexities of implementing large-scale digital solutions in public transit.

As digital payment options continue to expand, the Delhi Metro’s experience offers insights into how urban transport systems can adapt to evolving commuter preferences and technological advancements.

Source: Indian Express