Hyderabad: In a groundbreaking move towards digitizing public transportation, L&T Metro Rail Hyderabad Ltd. has unveiled India’s first Rich Communication Services (RCS)-based ticketing system for the Hyderabad Metro. The system was officially launched on Tuesday by L&TMRHL’s Managing Director and CEO, KVB Reddy, aiming to simplify the travel experience for metro commuters across the city. This innovative ticketing solution allows commuters to book their tickets directly through the inbuilt messaging app on Android devices, eliminating the hassle of using third-party applications. With just a simple ‘Hi’ message, users can scan a QR code, enter their travel details, and complete payments using UPI.
The purchased ticket is then saved in Google Wallet for convenient access, making the commuting process faster and more efficient. During the launch event held at Radisson Blu Hyderabad, KVB Reddy emphasized the significance of this technology, stating, “Hyderabad Metro is the first in India to offer such advanced technology for commuters.” He further highlighted the vision of Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy to expand the Metro network across the city, announcing plans for new routes extending from Miyapur to Patancheru, LB Nagar to Hayatnagar, and Raidurg to Kokapet.
Additionally, the highly anticipated Airport Metro will connect key junctions, incorporating five new lines spanning a total of 76.4 kilometers. This Rs. 24,269-crore project will see collaboration between the Central and State governments. Currently, the RCS-based ticketing system is accessible to Android users, with plans to expand to iOS devices once Apple provides support for RCS in India. This initiative, launched in partnership with Route Mobile Ltd. and integration partner Billeasy, marks a significant leap forward in enhancing public transit convenience, setting a new standard for metro services in the country. As Hyderabad continues to embrace innovative solutions for urban mobility, the new ticketing system is expected to streamline the commuting experience for millions, paving the way for a smarter and more efficient public transport network in the future.
