Patna Metro Smart Card Recharge, Balance Check & WhatsApp Ticketing Guide 2026

Summary: Step-by-step instructions on how to purchase, recharge, and check the balance of your Patna Metro Contactless Smart Card. Also learn how to book instant digital paperless QR tickets via WhatsApp without standing in ticket lines.

4 Detailed Ways to Recharge Your Smart Card (रिचार्ज करने के 4 तरीके)

Patna Metro provides multiple convenient online and offline recharge channels for daily passengers and commuters across all operational stations:

1. Ticket Vending Machine (TVM) Top-Up

Every operational Patna Metro station is equipped with touchscreen Ticket Vending Machines (TVMs) located in the unpaid concourse area:

1. Place your Contactless Smart Card on the designated machine reader slot.
2. Select 'Recharge Card' on the interactive touchscreen.
3. Choose your desired recharge denomination (₹100, ₹200, ₹500, or ₹1,000).
4. Scan the dynamic UPI QR code using PhonePe, Google Pay, Paytm, or BHIM, or insert fresh currency notes into the cash acceptance slot.
5. Wait 3 seconds until the screen confirms successful balance update. Never remove your card before the green confirmation screen appears.

2. Station Customer Care Counters (ग्राहक सेवा केंद्र)

If you prefer human assistance or wish to pay with credit/debit cards or cash, approach the Customer Care desk situated adjacent to the AFC turnstile gates at any station. Hand over your smart card to the transit executive and specify the recharge amount. An official thermal printed receipt is provided for each transaction.

3. Online Web Portal & Mobile Banking

Passengers can initiate an online top-up through the official ticketing portal:

1. Enter the unique 12-digit engraved card number found on the back of your card.
2. Select the recharge amount and complete payment through net banking, debit card, or UPI.
3. Crucial Step — Validation at AVM: For web recharges, the balance is stored on the central server until you tap your card on an Add Value Machine (AVM) located at any metro station entrance to physically credit the chip.

4. WhatsApp QR Ticketing (No Physical Card Required)

For occasional travelers who do not hold a physical card, PMRCL offers a WhatsApp chatbot service:

1. Save the official PMRCL WhatsApp chatbot number on your smartphone.
2. Send 'Hi' or 'Metro Ticket' in the chat.
3. Select your origin and destination stations from the dropdown menu.
4. Select the number of passengers (maximum 6 tickets per booking).
5. Complete payment securely via UPI or credit/debit card inside WhatsApp.
6. An encrypted QR ticket image will be delivered instantly in the chat window. Simply present your phone screen to the optical scanner on the AFC turnstile gates.

How to Check Your Smart Card Balance (बैलेंस कैसे चेक करें)

To confirm your remaining balance and review recent journey deductions, you can use any of the following three methods:

• Add Value Machine (AVM): Place your card on any station AVM reader and tap "Card Info" to view current balance, security deposit status, and the last 10 transit transactions.
• AFC Entry & Exit Turnstiles: Whenever you tap in or tap out at automated gates, the bright LED overhead display flashes your deducted fare alongside your remaining card balance.
• Customer Care Counters: Station personnel can scan your card and provide an immediate verbal balance summary.

Smart Card Replacement, Refund & Damage Policy (रिफंड एवं प्रतिस्थापन नियम)

Frequently Asked Questions (अक्सर पूछे जाने वाले सवाल)