Delhi Metro’s Smart Ticketing: Is the Viral Queue Video a Wake-Up Call?

A viral clip depicting immense queues at Delhi Metro ticket counters has raised questions about commuter awareness of available smart technology. The video showcases a substantial number of people waiting in line, seemingly unaware of the efficient, smartphone-based ticketing system that could save them considerable time. The narrator in the video audibly expresses astonishment at the ‘madness,’ highlighting the paradox of people being in a hurry but opting for the slowest ticketing method. It’s a familiar scene: commuters in line are actively using their phones for communication and entertainment, yet fail to recognize that these same devices can be used to instantly purchase metro tickets. The Delhi Metro offers a user-friendly WhatsApp ticketing service, a feature accessible at every one of its 288 stations. Passengers can easily obtain tickets by saving the number 9650855800 and initiating a chat by sending ‘Hi.’ Following prompts for language and ticket purchase, users can specify their destination, buy up to six tickets, and finalize the transaction through UPI or card payments. The system generates a QR ticket directly within the WhatsApp chat, which can then be scanned at any metro station gate for seamless entry. This digital solution is designed to streamline the commute, encouraging passengers to embrace technology and avoid unnecessary waiting times.