Kejriwal to seek probe into 10 Delhi Metro stations going cashless

The Delhi Metro is under the Delhi government radar for going cashless at 10 stations. Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said on Sunday that he will seek an inquiry and also look into the files leading to the decision taken "forcefully" by the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC).

"It's being done forcefully, maybe as directed by the Prime Minister's Office (PMO). I will speak to Metro (authorities) and ask for the files. How can they force a decision like this? They are promoting Paytm through this. I will seek an inquiry and look into the files," Kejriwal told reporters.

On December 23, the Delhi Metro announced to go completely cashless at 10 stations. Soon after the announcement, the DMRC came out with a clarification that more e-wallets would soon be roped in and the contract was awarded to Paytm through an open tender process. "Since DMRC, at present, has an ongoing agreement with Paytm, which also bagged the contract through an open tender process, it was the natural choice to make a start for cashless transactions at 10 stations," read a DMRC statement.

The stations where the measure has been rolled out are Rohini (E) and (W) on the Red Line, MG Road on Yellow Line, Mayur Vihar Phase-I, Nirman Vihar, Tilak Nagar, Janakpuri (W), and Noida Sector-15 on Blue Line, and Nehru Place and Kailash Colony on Violet Line. — with agency inputs