NCMC used for Bengaluru Metro.
Although the National Common Mobility Card (NCMC) was launched with much anticipation over two years ago, it is still getting a lukewarm response in Bengaluru, mainly due to lack of integration with the city’s largest public transport provider, the Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC).
Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Ltd. (BMRCL) and RBL Bank started issuing NCMC on 25 March 2023, coinciding with the commencement of operations of the Whitefield–Krishnarajapura metro line. Prime Minister Narendra Modi became the first traveler in the city to use the card, touted as a “One Nation–One Card” scheme to unify mobility payments across India.
However, more than two years later, the card has not caught on in the city. For example, on November 11, only 80,024 passengers used the bank-issued NCMC metro, while the vast majority continue to rely on the conventional Namma Metro smart card, according to BMRCL.
BMRCL officials said, “Complete switchover to NCMC will be practical only when other transporters, especially BMTC, adopt the system.”
“We need one card for all journeys,” say commuters
Commuters also spoke loudly about the need for integration. “This is something we have been waiting for. I use UPI for almost everything, but the QR code payment system in buses is inconvenient. Once I even had to ask a fellow passenger to move so I could scan the code stuck at the window. And after paying, the conductor kept asking me to see my phone screen. If BMTC implements smart ETM with tap payment, the daily NCcommuter experience will be seamless, from NCcommuter. BTM Layout to Majestic.
Another commuter, Nithin Varma, a tech professional from Bommanahalli, said, “I already have an NCMC card which I use for the metro. But it’s useless to carry it as I can’t use it in BMTC buses as I commute to the metro station from my home in Kodichikknahalli to the metro station every day. Bengaluru should no longer lead many big NC cities. NCMC cards in multiple modes of transport,” he said.
BMTC delay
BMTC plans to upgrade its Electronic Ticketing (ETM) to support NCMC and UPI tap-to-pay features. However, the introduction was repeatedly postponed. Officials said the transition was technically complex and financially demanding.
“Replacing thousands of ETMs in our fleet is not a simple act of procurement. The new machines have to integrate with our existing ticketing software, real-time data systems and backend settlement mechanisms. Any mismatch can disrupt day-to-day operations. There are also cost considerations as rolling out ETMs with NCMC support will require significant investment. We are working to resolve these issues but it will take time,” said a BMTC executive.
For now, the lack of integration undermines the very purpose of NCMC, which was designed to be a single prepaid card usable across different transport networks and retail platforms. Meanwhile, on World Public Transport Day, November 10, Bengaluru saw the launch of the Orbit Wallet RuPay prepaid card for employees of Electronics City Industries’ Association member companies, a NCMC compliant product.
Published – 13 Nov 2025 21:10 IST
