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June 8, 2026

Digital Transformation at Delhi's National Zoological Park: Saathi App and Self‑Ticketing Kiosks

K
Kalpana SharmaCurrent Affairs Editor & Content Lead

Key Highlights

  • Launch of the NZP Saathi mobile application for Android and iOS, offering an interactive map and real‑time navigation inside the zoo.
  • Self‑service ticket kiosks equipped with UPI‑based payment and free Wi‑Fi to curb queues and foster cashless entry.
  • Thematic tour modes—Express, Family, Grand Zoo, and My Tour—enable customized visitor itineraries.
  • Educational snippets on animal species are embedded within the app to enrich the learning experience.

Detailed Insights

The National Zoological Park in New Delhi introduced two visitor‑centric technologies under the patronage of Union Minister of State for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Shri Kirti Vardhan Singh. The "NZP Saathi" app functions as a digital companion, presenting a layered map that pinpoints enclosures, restrooms, food courts, buggy stations, and exits. Smart navigation guides patrons through the 176‑acre complex, while push notifications deliver species‑specific facts, fostering an educational ambience.

Parallel to the mobile solution, self‑ticketing kiosks have been deployed at strategic entry points. These terminals accept UPI transactions, dispense e‑tickets instantly, and provide complimentary Wi‑Fi, thereby accelerating the admission process and reducing reliance on cash. Both interventions aim to streamline visitor flow, enhance convenience, and promote a cash‑free ecosystem within the park.

Key Concepts

  • Interactive Digital Map: A geo‑referenced schematic within the app that allows users to locate zoo facilities and animal habitats in real time.
  • Smart Navigation: Algorithm‑driven path guidance that optimizes route selection based on user‑chosen points of interest.
  • Thematic Tours: Pre‑designed itineraries (Express, Family, Grand Zoo) and a customizable "My Tour" option that tailor the visit duration and focus.
  • Self‑Ticketing Kiosk: Automated booth enabling ticket purchase via UPI, delivering e‑tickets instantly and offering on‑site Wi‑Fi.
  • Cashless Transaction: Digital payment method that eliminates physical money handling, thereby speeding up service delivery.

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