MP Metro Spends Rs 2.4 Crore On 48 Ticket Vending Machines In Bhopal, Indore Despite Low Ridership
Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh): The Madhya Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation Limited (MPMRCL) will make ticket vending machines (TVMs) operational across stations in Bhopal and Indore from Oct 30, aiming to reduce waiting time and let passengers buy tickets independently in just 30 seconds. However, the rollout comes amid low ridership, with the metro still not averaging even 30 passengers a day. According…
The Madhya Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation Limited (MPMRCL) plans to install 48 ticket vending machines (TVMs) across stations in Bhopal and Indore, starting October 30th. The corporation expects the machines to reduce waiting times and allow passengers to purchase tickets independently in just 30 seconds. Each TVM costs Rs 5 lakh, and with two machines at each of the 24 stations, 16 in Indore and eight in Bhopal, the total investment amounts to approximately Rs 2.4 crore.
The MPMRCL intends to provide passengers with an alternative to digital ticket booking via the MPMRCL mobile application or station counters. The new machines will facilitate cashless transactions using UPI and QR codes, enabling passengers to select the Buy QR Ticket option, choose their destination, view the fare, and scan the payment QR code using a UPI-enabled application. Upon successful payment, the ticket can be collected.
In addition to the convenience, passengers will find the machines accessible, as they feature Braille for visually impaired commuters. A promotional scheme running from October 11 to December 31, 2026, offers various discounts: a 25% reduction for single-journey tickets (except for 20 tickets), a 30% discount for return-journey tickets, and a 35% discount for group tickets of at least two passengers. E-wallet recharge also comes with bonus benefits ranging from 8% to 15%, contingent on the recharge amount.
MPMRCL's managing director, S Krishna Chaitanya, highlighted the new facility's aim to make ticket purchasing faster, simpler, and more accessible for metro commuters in both cities.
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