Kolkata Metro Railway will enable multiple paper-based QR tickets in a single transaction starting February 28, reducing long queues and increased costs.Kolkata Metro has recently introduced a mobile-based integrated QR code ticketing system, marking a.
Significant advancement in its efforts to modernize and streamline the ticketing process for commuters. This initiative aims to enhance passenger convenience by reducing reliance on traditional paper tickets, tokens, and smart cards, thereby offering a more seamless and efficient travel experience.
Launch and Implementation
The QR code ticketing system was launched on a trial basis on September 11, 2024, by P. Uday Kumar Reddy, the General Manager of Metro Railway, during a function at Kalighat Metro Station. This system has been implemented across multiple corridors, including the Dakshineswar-New Garia (Blue Line), Howrah Maidan-Esplanade (Green Line), and Kavi Subhas-Hemanta Mukhopadhyay (Orange Line) corridors.
How the System Works
Commuters can access the QR code ticketing system through the ‘Metro Ride Kolkata’ mobile application, available for both Android and iOS platforms. The app allows passengers to purchase tickets for any station across the three corridors, providing greater.
flexibility and convenience. Once a ticket is purchased, the app generates a QR code that passengers can scan at the Automatic Fare Collection (AFC) gates to enter and exit Metro stations. This eliminates the need for physical tickets or tokens.
Key Features and Benefits
- Paperless Transactions: The system supports paperless ticketing, reducing environmental impact and operational costs associated with printing and handling physical tickets.
- Extended Validity: Tickets purchased through the app are valid for up to 12 hours on a single calendar date, offering commuters flexibility in planning their journeys.
- Enhanced Convenience: By enabling ticket purchases via smartphones, the system reduces the need for passengers to stand in queues at ticket counters, thereby saving time and improving the overall travel experience.
Integration with Existing Infrastructure
To facilitate the new ticketing system, Kolkata Metro has upgraded the AFC gates at various stations on the Blue and Orange Lines. The Green Line already had this facility in place. These upgrades ensure that the infrastructure supports seamless scanning of QR codes, allowing for smooth entry and exit processes for passengers.
Background and Development
Prior to the introduction of the mobile-based QR code system, Kolkata Metro had been exploring various methods to modernize its ticketing process. In October 2023, a paper-based QR code ticketing system was trialed at Sealdah Metro Station on the East-West Corridor.
This system allowed commuters to purchase paper tickets embedded with QR codes, which could be scanned at AFC gates. The trial aimed to assess the feasibility and efficiency of QR code-based ticketing before implementing a more integrated solution.
Future Prospects
The successful implementation of the mobile-based integrated QR code ticketing system is expected to pave the way for further advancements in Kolkata Metro’s services. The authorities anticipate that this system will significantly ease commuting during peak periods.
such as the upcoming Puja festivities, by minimizing congestion at ticket counters. Additionally, the Metro Railway plans to monitor the system’s performance during the trial phase and make necessary adjustments to enhance its functionality and user experience.
Kolkata Metro’s introduction of a mobile-based integrated QR code ticketing system represents a pivotal step toward modernizing urban transit in the city. By leveraging digital technology, the Metro aims to provide a more efficient, convenient, and environmentally friendly service to its commuters. As the system undergoes further testing and refinement, it holds the promise of transforming the daily travel experience for thousands of passengers, setting a benchmark for other urban transit systems to follow.
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