Long wait for tickets ends at metro stations

Peeved at standing in long queues at metro stations in Delhi?

Don't worry! The long wait will soon end as the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation is set to install automatic ticket vending machines at select metro stations in the national capital.

Commuters will be able to get their metro tokens from the vending machines installed at Barakambha Road, Central Secretariat and Vishwa Vidayalaya metro stations from the end of April.

The DMRC has procured 16 such machines to be installed at various metro stations in the capital.

"The move is to reduce the head on the manual ticketing system. The three metro stations (mentioned above) see huge ridership everyday and the token vending machines will help the commuters get their tickets soon," a DMRC spokesperson said.

Commuters who have credit cards will also be able to recharge their 'Metro Smart Card' through the ticket vending machine. The 'Smart Card' is a hit among the commuters as it helps them to board a train any time.

One vending machine will be installed at each of the three metro stations in the first phase and the number may be increased later. A vending machine may also be installed at the crowded Rajiv Chowk station, the spokesperson said, adding that it will take some time.

Vending machines will also be installed at the under-construction Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium and Jangpura metro stations in south Delhi, the spokesperson said.

The ticket vending machine is being tested at the Shastri Park metro station, the spokesperson said.

He said commuters can insert Re 1, 2 and 5 coins besides notes with denomination of Rs 10, 50 and 100 into the machine for getting tokens.

"The vending machine will also tender change to the commuters," the spokesperson said, adding the machines are popular in foreign countries.