The Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) will introduce a WhatsApp-based ticketing system for its ‘Aapli Bus’ service on July 26, making ticket purchases faster, cashless and more convenient for commuters.
The digital facility will be inaugurated at 4.30 pm at the NMC headquarters lawn in Civil Lines. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis will preside over the event in the presence of Union Minister Nitin Gadkari. The announcement was made by Mayor Neeta Thakre and Transport Committee Chairperson Mangala Khekare during a press conference on Friday.
How the WhatsApp Ticketing System Works
Passengers can purchase tickets by scanning the QR code displayed inside an Aapli Bus. The code redirects users to the official WhatsApp interface, where they can select the ‘Buy Ticket’ option, enter their boarding and destination points, and make the payment through the integrated online payment system.
Once the payment is completed, an e-ticket is instantly delivered to the passenger’s mobile phone via WhatsApp.
Apart from ticket booking, the platform will also provide real-time information on bus routes and schedules, allowing commuters to plan their journeys more efficiently.
Move Towards Paperless and Smart Public Transport
According to NMC, the initiative is aimed at making public transport more commuter-friendly while promoting sustainable urban mobility.
Transport Committee Chairperson Mangala Khekare said the shift from paper tickets to digital tickets will reduce paper consumption, lower operational costs and eliminate the inconvenience of carrying cash or coins while travelling. She added that using a widely accessible platform like WhatsApp is expected to reduce waiting time, streamline ticketing operations and encourage greater use of public transport.
With this initiative, Nagpur becomes the second city in India, after Delhi, to introduce WhatsApp-based ticketing for its public bus network. Delhi launched the service in April 2024.
No Cancellation or Rescheduling Facility
While the new system offers convenience, it does not allow passengers to cancel or reschedule tickets once they have been booked through WhatsApp.
Although commuters can track buses in real time, those who miss their bus due to delays or changes in travel plans will have to purchase a new ticket, as the booked ticket cannot be modified or refunded under the current system.
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