Prakriti Deb, Pune
Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) has announced its plans to phase out the Smart Cards currently used for traveling on the Namma Metro, as per reports. This move comes alongside a push to promote the adoption of National Common Mobility Cards (NCMCs) among commuters.
The Smart Cards, categorized as closed-loop cards, were designed exclusively for travel on Bengaluru’s metro system.
The NCMC aligns with the larger vision of seamless travel across all transportation networks across the country and is set to revolutionize the way people commute and transact. The card’s versatility extends to retail transactions, shopping, and even fuel purchases.
This expansion of the card utility will eliminate the need for carrying multiple cards and streamline the daily activities of the city’s residents. Moreover, the NCMC integrates seamlessly with the Automatic Fare Collection (AFC) system, a smartphone-based entry and exit system for metro stations. This integration enhances the overall commuting experience, making travel quicker, smoother, and more efficient.
The concept of the National Common Mobility Card was spearheaded by the Nandan Nilekani committee, a five-member panel established by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). Led by Nilekani, former chairman of the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI), the committee’s recommendations have far-reaching implications. One of the standout suggestions involves digitizing all government payments to citizens, aiming to reduce the dependency on cash transactions in the country.