Delhi Metro to Provide Smart Card Recharge Facility at AFC Gates

As the usage of Contactless Smart Cards by Delhi Metro Commuters is on the rise, Delhi Metro is looking at innovative ways to smoothen the recharge process.

Towards this, Delhi Metro is procuring the latest AFC (Automatic Fare Collection) gates, which will have the capacity of automatic top up of smart cards through the bank accounts of card holders (electronic clearance system (ECS).

The complete Press Release can be read @ http://www.delhimetrorail.com/press_reldetails.aspx?id=GpDr4c0GlYklld

As per the proposed process flow, for customers availing this facility, when the balance of a smart card goes down to the pre defined value or the minimum amount, the specific AFC gates will add pre defined amount into the card automatically.

Later on, the deducted amount will be collected from the card holder’s bank account by the Metro fare collection system. I am not sure, what will happen if there is no balance in the card holder's bank account at the time of debit.

In addition to this, DMRC is also developing a new technology through which Delhi Metro commuters will be able to recharge their smart cards through various options such as net banking, credit cards, debit cards. DMRC is also procuring Add Value Machines for recharging the smart cards at the stations through net banking, credit cards, debit cards.

'Add Value Machines', can be said to reverse ATM's, which accept Cash and credit the equivalent value to DMRC Contactless Cards.

Like all good things in life, these new features are not instantly available, but will be 'live', within this calendar year I.e 2012.

Currently, tokens and smart cards can be purchased or recharged only by paying cash at the specified counters, machines or customer care centers at Metro stations.

The Smart cards are very popular in Delhi Metro as DMRC is providing 10% discount on fares on use of the smart cards and many stations have dedicated exit gates only for card users.