Soon, half of Delhi Metro gates to go card-only

NEW DELHI: In a move that is likely to benefit thousands of smart card holders, the Delhi Metro is planning to turn half the automatic fare collection (AFC) gates — used for entry and exit into platforms —into “card-only”. The process has already begun at some of the stations in the Delhi Metro network, and all the stations will be covered soon.

A spokesperson for the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) said, “In order to facilitate the smart card carrying passengers, who comprise about 70% of the daily Metro commuters, DMRC has decided to convert 50% of the existing AFC exit gates to “card-only” exit gates.”

At present, Delhi Metro has 1,073 AFC exit gates across all Delhi Metro stations of the network. Of these, 500 exit gates are being converted exclusively for the smart card users. “This move will facilitate a smooth exit from the ‘card-only’ dedicated exit gates at a faster pace. The remaining AFC exit gates will remain functional for both smart card and token carrying passengers,” said the spokesperson.


The Metro stations where this rule has already been implemented are Rajiv Chowk, Central Secretariat, Kashmiri Gate, New Delhi, Karol Bagh and some others, said the official. Delhi Metro has a 213 km of operational network with 160 stations which carries around 26 lakh commuters everyday. Of these, around 18 lakh commuters use the smart card.

According to the Delhi Metro, the dedicated exit gates will also help token users. “This process would allow token users more space and time to exit from the remaining AFC exit gates,” added the Delhi Metro official.

The reason for the shift to this process, according to officials in the DMRC, is the fact that token handling at times “by relatively new passengers” leads to minor errors and delays in exit.

At present, 300 AFC gates have already been converted at Delhi Metro stations across all lines. Rest of the stations will be converted by the end of this month. “Adequate signages are being placed at these gates to inform the passengers,” said the official.