KOCHI: One of the biggest problems faced by those traveling in Kochi Metro is the long queue to buy tickets. Many people are unable to reach their destination on time due to this. UPI-based ticket vending machines have been installed at all metro stations in Kochi as a solution to this. Transport Commissioner C Nagaraju inaugurated the event at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium. The aim of the new initiative is to provide a faster and more customer-friendly ticketing experience to passengers.

KMRL MD Loknath Behera said that this is the latest in a series of facilities that will help passengers buy tickets and travel as quickly as possible. Only a few metro stations in India have UPI-based vending machines. He also clarified that Kochi Metro is trying to completely digitalize ticketing.

KMRL's digital tickets are presently available through several applications including ONDC platforms Google Wallet, Paytm, PhonePe, RedBus, Tummok, Yatri, Ease MyTrip, Rapido, Telegram (My Metro Kochi) and Kerala Savari. A WhatsApp service-based ticketing system is also operational. The inauguration ceremony was attended by KMRL Directors Sanjay Kumar (Systems), Dr M P Ram Nawaz (Projects), Chief General Managers A Manikandan and Shaji Janardhanan, General Managers Mini Chhabra (HR), Jishu John Scaria (Legal), T C Johnson (S&T), Jayananda Somasundaram (Joint General Manager, S&T) and P S Ranjith (Assistant Manager AFC).