The cards were distributed by the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Ministers, symbolising the rollout of the scheme for wider public use
Pic/Maharashtra CMO
In a significant push towards digitising public transport services, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Tuesday launched the ‘RuPay On-The-Go’ National Common Mobility Card (NCMC)-enabled smart card for the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) at Mantralaya in Mumbai.
The initiative aims to make travel more seamless, transparent, and accessible for various sections of society, particularly those eligible for concessional fares on state-run buses.
High-Level Presence at Launch
The launch ceremony was attended by Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Ajit Pawar, Transport Minister and MSRTC Chairman Pratap Sarnaik, along with other senior ministers and MSRTC officials.
The presence of top state leadership underscored the government’s focus on leveraging technology to improve public transport services and ensure efficient delivery of benefits.
Smart Cards Distributed to Beneficiaries
During the event, select beneficiaries were handed over the newly launched NCMC smart cards. Among them were Amrit Mahotsav senior citizen Ramesh Dhavare and concession beneficiaries Sangita Palkar and Varsha Kamble. The cards were distributed by the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Ministers, symbolising the rollout of the scheme for wider public use.
Focus on Inclusive and Digital Travel
The Aadhaar-linked NCMC smart cards will be distributed to a wide range of eligible passengers, including students, senior citizens, women, persons with disabilities, and others entitled to travel concessions.
With the introduction of this card, beneficiaries will be able to access concessional travel in MSRTC buses in a more streamlined and hassle-free manner. The card is expected to eliminate the need for manual verification processes, thereby reducing delays and enhancing convenience for passengers.
Enhancing Transparency and Efficiency
Officials stated that the NCMC-enabled system will not only simplify fare collection but also bring greater transparency to the overall travel process. By digitising concession benefits and integrating them with a unified mobility card, the system aims to minimise discrepancies and improve operational efficiency.
The initiative is part of a broader effort by the Maharashtra government to modernise public transport infrastructure and adopt digital solutions that benefit both passengers and service providers.
With the rollout of the NCMC smart card, MSRTC is expected to take a major step forward in aligning with national digital mobility initiatives, offering a more user-friendly and accountable travel experience across the state.
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