Delhi Metro's technological leap: Auto top-up facility

Delhi Metro in association with a private bank Wednesday launched a travel card with an "auto" top-up facility that will provide "hassle-free" travel to commuters.

In a first-of-its kind, ICICI Bank joined hands with Delhi Metro to launch the "Unifare Card" that combines the benefits of a debit/credit card, along with a Delhi Metro Smart Card and has the added facility of auto top-up of fare balance.

For the purpose, the card has a "transit chip" embedded along with the debit/credit card chip.

"The unique auto top-up facility on the card automatically recharges the amount on the transit chip when the balance drops below a certain specified threshold limit," a statement said.

"The customers will only have to swipe the card at the station instead of waiting in queues," it added.

The aim to issue 100,000 cards by March 2015.

"We aim to provide hassle-free travel to our commuters and seamless payment options are an integral part of that proposition," said Delhi Metro managing director Mangu Singh.

ICICI bank officials said the new card will change the way "transit payments of the future are made in the country".

The bank has also tied up with Metro rail operators to launch similar cards in Mumbai, Hyderabad and Bangalore.