Aiming at increasing the number of users of Smart Card that save commuters from standing in queues to purchase tokens, the Delhi Metro will be observing 'Smart Card Week' from May 10 to May 15.

During this week, special Contactless Customer Card counters will be made operational at 20 Metro stations, which have highest number of footfall on the Delhi Metro network.

The stations include Rajiv Chowk, Kashmere Gate, Laxmi Nagar, Anand Vihar ISBT and Chandni Chowk.

Presently, over 60 per cent of Metro passengers are using Smart Cards on a regular basis.

"However, DMRC intends to increase this figure substantially to a level similar to that of the other Metro systems like Singapore and Hong Kong where almost 100 per cent of Metro users are relying on Smart Cards for their smooth and comfortable daily journey," Delhi Metro spokesman Anuj Dayal said.

He said the special counters at these stations will be manned by a special team of Customer Relation Assistants (CRAs) to brief and guide the passengers on Smart Card, which is special type of ticket used for multiple journeys based on value available on it.

Delhi Metro currently has a ridership of over 15 lakh which is set to increase.

With Phase-III of the network expected to cover about 108 kilometers, the Delhi Metro network will become 295 kilometers by 2015 making it one of the fastest expanding Metro networks in the world carrying about 4 million passengers.

Commuters will be encouraged to use Smart Card to save time from daily purchase of token, standing in Queues to purchase tokens, to avail 10 per cent discount on every journey, for freedom of choice of originating and destination station, freedom from keeping change every time etc, Dayal said.

Similarly, tourists coming to visit Delhi Metro will be explained the concept of Tourist Smart Card for unlimited rides for a single day and three day period.

To provide greater awareness among commuters, all Metro stations will display banners and standees highlighting 10 per cent discount on CSC usage and other related benefits.

Printed literature in the form of pocket folder detailing everything about Smart Card and its provisions will also be made available at Special CSC Counters for passengers.