Pune Metro has crossed the significant milestone of issuing over one lakh smartcards, cementing its place as a frontrunner in India’s transition to a smarter and more sustainable urban transport ecosystem.
As of April 21, 2025, the number of smartcards issued stood at 1,00,044, signalling a rapid uptake in the city’s move towards cashless commuting. This surge in digital ticketing adoption coincides with the completion of Phase 1 operations, spanning the Vanaz-Ramwadi and PCMC-Swargate corridors. With ridership currently averaging 1.6 lakh passengers daily, the Metro has emerged as a reliable and green alternative to traditional transport options, significantly easing congestion on Pune’s busy roads.The most favoured of the three card variants is the ‘One Pune Card’, launched in August 2023 as a National Common Mobility Card (NCMC)-compliant solution. This card alone accounts for 58,277 of the total, followed by 23,378 student pass cards and 18,389 non-KYC variants. The overwhelming preference for smartcards reflects not only a behavioural shift among Pune’s urban population but also highlights the Metro’s commitment to a seamless, equitable, and inclusive commuter experience.
Currently, nearly 80 percent of Pune Metro’s revenue is driven through digital payments—a national high among urban rail networks. This data-backed leadership underscores how mass transit can integrate innovation while championing environmentally responsible practices.Smartcards offer not just convenience but cost-efficiency,” said a senior Pune Metro official. “Passengers benefit from fare discounts—10 percent on weekdays and 30 percent on weekends for both One Pune and non-KYC cardholders. This initiative is encouraging more daily riders to make the shift.”By eliminating paper tickets and enabling tap-in, tap-out access at automated fare collection (AFC) gates, smartcards also support Pune Metro’s larger mission of becoming a zero-carbon urban transit network. The effort to reduce physical ticketing aligns with global best practices in climate-conscious infrastructure and contributes meaningfully to the city’s sustainability goals.
Work is already underway to extend the network. The PCMC-Nigdi stretch under construction and the proposed underground corridor between Swargate and Katraj reflect Pune Metro’s long-term planning approach, with a sharp focus on equitable connectivity and environmental balance. These expansions aim to serve both residential and commercial catchments, ensuring that the benefits of rapid transit are not limited to a privileged few.As Pune positions itself as a model for integrated and inclusive transport solutions, the success of its smartcard initiative highlights how urban mobility can be reimagined through citizen-first policies and technology-led transformation. In a city striving for carbon neutrality and cleaner air, the rise in digital fare systems isn’t just about convenience—it’s a bold step towards a greener future.While challenges remain in scaling accessibility and addressing digital inclusion, the Metro’s smartcard milestone is a noteworthy indicator of positive public sentiment and progressive policy implementation. For Pune, this is more than just a number—it’s a testament to the power of collective movement towards a smarter, cleaner, and more connected city.
Pune Metro Smartcards Help City Go Green
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