Commuters prefer UPI payments over smart cards

Smart card usage for suburban railway tickets is declining as commuters increasingly prefer UPI payments via QR codes. Data from Western and Central Railways shows that most new smart card buyers are retired railway staff acting as facilitators. Between April 2024 and January 2025, Central Railways sold 3,070 smart cards, while Western Railways sold 4,899. Many commuters are returning their smart cards, opting for the convenience of QR code payments instead. Western Railways plans to upgrade its automatic ticket vending machines to enhance online payment options. The upgrade includes replacing older machines to better meet commuter needs.