Indiantelevision.com Team

(9 May 2008 4:00 pm)

NEW DELHI: Citibank India and the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) have launched India's first co-branded "2-in-1" transit credit card.

The Delhi Metro Citibank Credit Card will combine the benefits of a Metro smart card with the advantages of a Citibank credit card.

The initiative aims to offer enhanced value and convenience to Delhi's residents.

The reward points accumulated on the card can be redeemed for free Metro rides, at the Citibank point-of-sale terminals.

These terminals are presently installed at Rajeev Chowk, Kashmere Gate, Barakhamba, Pitampura, Rajouri Garden and Dwarka Mor metro stations.

Additionally,the card will also offer double reward points for metro spending and will not require the mandatory security deposit of Rs 50.

It is India's first credit card that doubles as a contact-less access card for the Delhi metro stations, allowing customers "tap and go" entry into DMRC stations.

The other benefits that the Delhi Metro Citibank Credit card will offer include exclusive shopping deals and discounts in Delhi and the NCR and fuel surcharge waivers at Indian Oil outlets.

The special "Delhi Delights" feature of this card plans to offer "unique" deals from some of the biggest brands in Delhi, including Dominos, Fun Cinemas, Nirula's, Bercos, India Today and VLCC.

Citi Asia Pacific regional head of card products Surath Chatterjee said, "We expect to launch similar products in more countries in the next few months. We have worked closely with the DMRC to develop a customised offering for the Indian market and are sure that this product will be a success in India."

Commenting on the partnership with Citi, DMRC director of operations Raj Kumar added, "DMRC is always looking to improve the transit customer's experience and we are delighted to partner with Citibank, to launch this unique offering. We believe this product is the next step in providing our travellers unmatched convenience and reduced waiting times by combining an efficient payment mechanism with the Metro experience."

Also speaking on the occasion, Citi India Country Business Manager Global Consumer Group P. S. Jayakumar said, "As the Metro extends its operations further into Delhi and NCR, and with the forthcoming Commonwealth Games in 2010, the Delhi Metro Citibank Credit Card will fulfil the need of a world-class product for hassle free travel and shopping. Citibank is happy to leverage its global expertise in the transit segment, to bring world-class products to the customers of Delhi."