Delhi Metro plans smartphone app; invites applications

New Delhi: Reaching out to commuters who use smartphones, Delhi Metro will soon launch a mobile application which will provide information regarding fares and stations including new ones coming up in Phase III.

The application is expected to work offline without Internet/GPRS (one time download) which means that users will incur no running cost on it. Users will also be able to download latest version of application.

DMRC has floated a tender for developing the application, for which final date of submission is March 28.

Some facilities that the application will provide include information about nearest metro station, fare between stations, timings of last and first train at various stations, travel time, route information, metro map and parking availability on the station premises, an official said.

The commuters can also find landmarks and tourist spots near metro stations, get information about feeder services and helpline numbers. The application will also give commuters information about the new stations coming up in Phase III.

Based on the phone's operating system and services, the application would also be able to determine the user's current location by using GPS and direct the route to the destination.

A graphical representation of the Metro Map will enable the user to pan in, zoom in and out, and display user's current location on metro route map, the official said.

Details of feeder buses available at different stations with their routes, DTC buses in route of metro station will also be available on the application.

The application will provide details of Metro Museum, such as how to reach the museum, timing, holidays, souvenir and their price, and whom to contact for assistance.

DMRC Helpline numbers for assistance, suggestion, complaint, and feedback and security helpline numbers to be contacted during emergency or security threat will be available in the application, the official said.

Among other things, the application can also be used to answer frequently asked questions about how to use smart cards, the items which are not allowed to be carried in the metro train and timings of the station.