NEW DELHI: Keeping up with the trend of cashless transactions, 10 metro stations of the Delhi Metro will go “cashless” from January 1 as commuters will have only option to make payment through mobile wallets such as Paytm and debit/credit cards for the purchase of tokens and smart card recharge.

Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) said the decision has been taken to encourage people to go for cashless economy.

Stations which are going cashless includes, Rohini East and Rohini West on Red Line; MG Road on Yellow Line; Mayur Vihar Phase-I, Nirman Vihar, Tilak Nagar, Janakpuri West, and Noida Sector-15 on Blue Line; and Nehru Place and Kailash Colony on Violet Line.

The 10 Metro stations have been chosen based on the footfall and category of travellers. According to officials, these stations have 70 percent or more smart card users, as a result of which cash transactions here are moderate in comparison to other stations and have adequate mobile connectivity as well.

DMRC chief Mangu Singh said people will have the option to pay through mobile wallets such as Paytm.

However, initially, at least one counter will have the option of cash. This forced digitisation could hamper millions of people taking the metro on a day-to-day basis.

Refunds, if any, will also be done through Paytm accounts instead of cash and users will receive the refunded amount within four days in their e-wallet.