DMRC launches RuPay 'On-The-Go' NCMC card, making travel across the country easier
In a significant step towards improving integrated urban transportation, the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC), in partnership with Airtel Payments Bank, has launched co-branded RuPay On-The-Go cards. These cards are powered by National Common Mobility Card (NCMC) technology. These cards will enable payments on metros, buses, and other transportation networks across the country.
The announcement was made at a ceremony held at Delhi Metro headquarters. DMRC Managing Director Dr. Vikas Kumar, Airtel Payments Bank Managing Director and CEO Anubrata Biswas, and other senior officials from both organizations were present at the ceremony.
Delhi Metro and Airtel Payments Bank partner
These co-branded cards, a combination of debit cards and Prepaid Payment Instrument for Mass Transit Systems (PPIMTS) cards, will allow commuters to pay for metro travel across multiple cities and transport systems using a single open-loop card. This is a major improvement over the existing cards issued by the DMRC, which are limited to the Delhi Metro network only. This initiative is in line with the Government of India's One Nation, One Card vision, which aims to simplify and integrate transport payments across the country.
These cards will be available at all DMRC stations within the next 10 days, making them easier for passengers to access. Additionally, users can digitally recharge their cards at any time through the DMRC app or Airtel app, significantly reducing the need for passengers to queue at stations for top-ups.
Promotion of One Nation, One Card mission
Managing Director, DMRC, Dr. Vikas Kumar said, "DMRC has always focused on adopting innovative solutions to enhance passenger convenience. This exclusive partnership with Airtel Payments Bank and the launch of co-branded NCMC cards will enable seamless and interoperable travel for our passengers not only within the Delhi Metro network, but also across multiple transport systems across the country."
Anubrata Biswas, Managing Director and CEO, Airtel Payments Bank, said, "Our partnership with DMRC reflects a shared vision to simplify and modernize urban mobility through secure, digital-first solutions. With the launch of co-branded On-the-Go NCMC cards, we are offering commuters a seamless travel experience across different transport systems, furthering the larger vision of One Nation, One Card for India."
Existing cards already issued will continue to function as usual. DMRC will continue to promote the sale of NCMC cards. According to DMRC, this initiative signals a major shift – the seamless integration of digital payments into everyday mobility, bringing together transport and banking to create a comprehensive integrated travel experience for passengers.
