Delhi Metro: Soon, 2000 Biometric Ticketing Systems Across 240 Stations To Facilitate Concessional Fares

Following Union Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs Minister Hardeep Sing Puri’s request last year to come up with a tech-based solution to provide concessionary tickets to students and senior citizens, the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) is looking to soon deploy a biometric-based ticketing system across the Delhi Metro network, reports TOI.

Using the new biometric system, which will work in consonance with the existing automatic fare collection (AFC) gates, senior citizens and students will be able to avail discounted prices on tickets.

The plan is to contract a private firm to install devices equipped with biometric readers and also smart card readers; DMRC wants to put in place 2,000 such devices at 240 stations, connected to a central server.

The cost of setting up the system is estimated at Rs 14.5 crore.

“DMRC is exploring the possibility of biometric AFC gate systems, which may help them in future for developing multiple benefits for both passengers as well as the system for passenger identification, profiling, concessions, etc,” executive director, corporate communications, DMRC, Anuj Dayal stated.

The new system will allow for smart cards with biometric data stored in them to be dispensed to commuters. Users would need to scan their fingers while entering or leaving a station if they’re biometrically registered with the DMRC.