Nagpur Municipal Corporation’s (NMC) Transport Department is set to launch an innovative WhatsApp ticketing system for ‘Aapli Bus’ service. The formal inauguration of this digital facility will take place at 4.30 pm at NMC headquarters lawn premises in Civil Lines on July 26. The ceremony will be presided over by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, in the presence of Union Minister Nitin Gadkari. Mayor Neeta Thakre and Transport Committee Chairperson Mangala Khekare announced the new facility during a press conference held on Friday, emphasising on NMC’s commitment to make city bus services more citizen-centric. WhatsApp ticketing system is designed to offer a seamless, cashless, and user-friendly experience for daily commuters. To use the facility, passengers need to scan the QR code displayed inside the bus, which automatically redirects them to the official WhatsApp interface. Commuters can then select the ‘Buy Ticket’ option, enter their starting point and destination, and complete the transaction through integrated online payment gateways.

 

Upon successful payment, an e-ticket is instantly delivered to the passenger’s smartphone. Additionally, the platform will serve as an information hub where citizens can access real-time details regarding bus routes and schedules. Beyond improving commute efficiency, the digital ticketing drive aligns with eco-friendly urban development goals. Speaking with ‘The Hitavada’ Chairperson Khekare said, “Transitioning from paper tickets to digital tickets will significantly curb paper consumption, reduce operational expenses, and minimise problem of citizens carrying coins while travelling. By leveraging accessible technology like WhatsApp,

 

NMC aims to reduce waiting time, streamline city transit operations, and encourage a broader shift towards public transportation across the city.” With this move, Nagpur becomes the second city to introduce the Whatsapp ticketing feature following Delhi. Delhi has introduced WhatsApp ticketing feature for traveling in its public city buses in April 2024, making it the first state bus network in India to provide this service. No cancellation or rescheduling of Whatsapp ticket A major drawback of the newly launched feature is that a citizen cannot cancel or reschedule a ticket once booked via Whatsapp. The new feature does allow the citizens to real-time track the bus but for any reason if an individual plans to reschedule or reach late to the bus stop and miss boarding the bus then in that case, the person has to buy another ticket to travel to the destination.