Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has taken a major step in enhancing the travel experience for commuters by introducing a convenient and easy-to-use WhatsApp-based ticketing service for the Airport Express Line (AEL). This new service aims to streamline the ticketing process and make commuting more efficient for both national and international travelers.
The WhatsApp-based ticketing service was officially launched by DMRC Managing Director Vikas Kumar at Metro Bhawan, with several senior officials present for the occasion. With this new facility, commuters on the Airport Express Line can now purchase QR code tickets directly from their smartphones using the dedicated WhatsApp chatbot.
To avail this service, commuters need to follow a few simple steps. First, they must add DMRC’s official WhatsApp number, 9650855800, to their contact list or scan the chatbot QR code displayed at customer care and ticket counters across all stations on the Airport Express Line. Once added, users can initiate a conversation by sending a “Hi” message to the newly added contact number and selecting their preferred language.
The chatbot offers various options, including purchasing a single journey ticket, group tickets, or retrieving a previously purchased ticket. Commuters can select their source and destination stations, specify the number of tickets required, and securely make the payment using integrated payment gateways, such as credit cards, debit cards, or UPI.
Upon successful completion of the transaction, commuters will receive a QR code ticket directly in the WhatsApp chat. They can then proceed to the designated scanners at AFC gates for entry and exit by simply tapping their mobile devices with the QR ticket displayed.
Key Features of the WhatsApp Ticketing Service:
- Single Journey and Group Tickets: Commuters can generate up to six QR tickets per passenger for single journey tickets or group bookings.
- Validity and Time Limit: QR tickets remain valid until the end of the business day. However, passengers must exit within 65 minutes from the destination station after entering. For exit at the source (origin) station, passengers should exit within 30 minutes from the time of entry.
- Booking Hours: Tickets cannot be booked after the start of revenue services until the close of revenue services for the day.
- Cancellation and Convenience Fee: Cancellation of tickets is not allowed through the WhatsApp Ticketing service. A marginal convenience fee is charged for transactions made via credit or debit cards, while no convenience fee is levied for UPI-based transactions.
DMRC has collaborated with PeLocal Fintech Private Limited to introduce this chatbot service as a pilot project for the Airport Express Line. By leveraging the popular messaging platform WhatsApp, DMRC aims to enhance the overall travel experience for commuters, making their journeys more seamless and hassle-free.
