Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai

Mumbai, Apr 1: The Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation on Wednesday launched the RuPay On-The-Go, NCMC-enabled smart card scheme to make public transport more convenient, transparent, and digital.

The initiative was inaugurated by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis in the presence of Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Sunetra Pawar.

On the occasion, NCMC smart cards were distributed to beneficiaries including senior citizen Ramesh Dhaware and concession-holder passengers Sangita Palkar and Varsha Kamble.

Under the scheme, NCMC smart cards linked to Aadhaar will be issued to students, senior citizens, divyang (persons with disabilities), women, and other concession holders. The cards aim to simplify access to travel concessions and enhance transparency in ticketing.

MSRTC Chairman Pratap Sarnaik said the initiative will enable easier travel management while promoting digital transactions across the state transport system.

Registration and distribution of the cards will be carried out at all depots and bus stations across Maharashtra, with around 3,000 authorised centres facilitating the process.

Passengers can use the cards for wallet-based payments, with a minimum top-up of Rs 100. Recharge options will be available through ETIM machines on buses, the official website, mobile app, and authorised agents. The cost of the NCMC smart card has been fixed at Rs 199.

Fadnavis described the initiative as a key step towards a digital transformation in public transport, stating that it would provide passengers with secure, convenient, and transparent services.