Nagpur Metro upgrades ticketing with national mobility card system
In a major step towards streamlining urban mobility, Nagpur Metro is transitioning from its existing Maha Card system to an open-loop ticketing model, powered by the National Common Mobility Card (NCMC). The ₹154.3 crore upgrade will allow commuters to use a single card across metro networks, buses, suburban trains, toll booths, and even retail stores, aligning with the national “One Nation, One Card” initiative. With this move, Nagpur joins a growing list of cities adopting interoperable transport systems to make commuting more inclusive, efficient, and future-ready.
The initiative is designed to phase out the closed-loop Maha Card, currently usable only within the city’s metro network. Instead, the open-loop NCMC—backed by RuPay infrastructure—will make travel seamless not just within Nagpur but across multiple cities that support the unified system. Officials confirmed that the upgrade will be cost-effective as existing Automatic Fare Collection (AFC) gates from Phase 1 will require only a software enhancement, not a complete overhaul. This helps reduce infrastructure waste while maximising utility, a welcome step towards low-carbon, sustainable urban development. Beyond environmental efficiency, the new open-loop system also empowers commuter choice. The NCMC card functions like a regular debit card, capable of handling metro fares, retail purchases, and ATM withdrawals—provided systems are NCMC-compliant. As part of the upgrade, Nagpur Metro’s second phase will also integrate QR code ticketing and issue a long-term Comprehensive Annual Maintenance Contract (CAMC) for the new AFC system.
These changes signify a shift towards digital-first, contactless, and flexible transport operations. Over 1.10 lakh Maha Card users currently benefit from fare concessions, and such features will likely continue under the NCMC model, ensuring accessibility isn’t compromised. This transition also reflects a national shift in policy thinking. Launched by the central government in 2019, the NCMC project was envisioned to break barriers between various modes of transport and service providers. Officials explained that earlier, Nagpur Metro had partnered with banks to develop proprietary cards, limiting usability. Now, by adopting the standardised NCMC framework, the metro system supports interoperability—an essential requirement for making Indian cities smarter and more commuter-friendly. Authorities will assess additional hardware requirements based on future ridership growth and operational dynamics.
The move marks a milestone in Maharashtra’s digital mobility journey, placing Nagpur among the few Indian cities actively embracing the national blueprint for inclusive public transit. Besides promoting efficiency, the decision encourages behavioural change toward greener modes of travel. When commuters can rely on one card for multiple needs—from boarding a metro to buying essentials—they are more likely to choose public transport over private vehicles. This not only reduces carbon emissions but also eases pressure on urban road networks. By enabling such systems, cities like Nagpur are leading by example in India’s pursuit of cleaner, smarter, and more equitable mobility.
