The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has announced that it will be launching India’s first virtual shopping app for metro commuters. This app will allow passengers to purchase a range of products, book services while traveling, and collect their orders at their destination stations. This initiative is one of the first of its kind in India. While the launch timeline has not yet been officially announced, it is expected to be unveiled soon.
Termed ‘Momentum 2.0’, this app will also include features such as instant recharge of Delhi Metro’s smart cards, intelligent payment options for other utility services, and better access to last mile connectivity, DMRC said in a statement.
Delhi Metro has been adding digital commuter services per the government’s Digital India vision.
Commuters using this app can use bikes, e-rickshaws, cabs, and the timetable of feeder buses, DTC buses, and cluster bus routes from Delhi Metro’s stations.
“The app includes features for e-shopping options with a wide array of goods. This innovative ‘brick & click’ store experience will provide users with the convenience of shopping for groceries and other essential items at the metro stations,” the transporter added.
Selected brands will display their products and services in the app through extended reality tools, and travelers can purchase using a QR code, it said. “The immersive and dynamic content at these virtual stores that display the goods on offer at the station will bridge the gap between digital and real-life shopping,” it said.
Moreover, DMRC is also in the process of installing digital lockers named “Smart Boxes” at select stations, where goods ordered through e-shopping on this app can be deposited safely and can be collected by the respective buyers once they arrive at their destination station, it said.
These intelligent boxes will offer secure, tech-enabled management of parcels, security items, and products. These user-friendly lockers will work for the fastest delivery and retrieval cycles in association with e-commerce players. In addition, passengers can also use the intelligent boxes on a payment basis, the statement said.
In addition, the app will enable commuters to recharge their smart card from anywhere instantly. There is an auto-top-up facility for smart cards inbuilt into the app. The app will also facilitate innovative payments.
It further stated that recurring payments such as insurance, electricity, gas payments, or FASTag recharge could be made easily by setting up automatic instructions.
The app will also provide detailed information on facilities available at metro stations, such as the location and condition of gates, lifts, escalators, platforms, train timing, occupancy of coaches, and space availability.
Users can get real-time information on the arrival time of trains, subject to operational feasibility, platform location, and exit gates.
This will help commuters book bikes or cabs before leaving the metro and have the vehicle ready on arrival at the destination station. The app will also offer information on shops, outlets, kiosks, and ATMs available at the stations, the DMRC said.
As reported by the news agency PTI in February 2022, the Delhi Metro started working on an ambitious project to integrate its services with e-commerce through digital platforms. To help achieve this goal, the DMRC hired a top consulting firm to work on the plan.
Last year, in February 2021, the DMRC had already stepped towards modernizing its services by launching a revamped website and mobile app with additional features. With the upcoming virtual shopping app, the DMRC is continuing its efforts to provide innovative solutions for its passengers.
