Chennai Metro collaborate with ONDC Network for seamless Ticketing Service

Chennai, India (Metro Rail Today): In a groundbreaking move, Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) has announced its collaboration with the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC), becoming the first Metro Rail service in India to join the ONDC Network. This strategic partnership promises to redefine the commuting experience for millions of passengers.

Effective Today, passengers can now effortlessly purchase single journey and return journey tickets for the Chennai Metro through buyer apps on the ONDC Network, including Rapido, Namma Yatri, and redBus. Google Maps and PhonePe are also set to offer these services soon, providing passengers with enhanced convenience and choice. The ONDC Buyer apps will extend their services to other metros as they join the network.

M.A. Siddique, I.A.S., Managing Director of CMRL, launched this innovative integration at MetroS, Nandanam, Anna Salai, on February 2, 2024. The event witnessed the presence of key dignitaries, including A. Shanmugasundaram, I.A.S., Commissioner of Transport and Road Safety, I. Jeyakumar, Special Officer of CUMTA, Rajesh Chaturvedi, Director (Systems and Operations) of CMRL, and Manoharan, Advisor (AFC and IT) of CMRL. ONDC Network's Chief Business Officer Shireesh Joshi and Senior Vice President Nitin Nair were also present during this momentous occasion.

This integration on the ONDC Network marks a transformative phase in digital mobility, offering seamless access to public transport across major cities. Following Chennai's lead, the Kochi Metro, Kanpur Metro, Pune Metro, and other metro services are set to join the network, ensuring urban transit becomes more accessible and efficient for commuters.

Beyond simplifying ticket purchasing, this initiative paves the way for a holistic, multimodal transportation experience. With both metro and other transport modes available on the ONDC Network, users can enjoy a seamless journey combining different modes of transport such as First Mile (Auto), Middle Mile (Metro), and Last Mile (Auto), among others. This integration opens avenues for a comprehensive and connected urban commute.

The ONDC Network is designed to support innovative bundling, allowing users to time ancillary services like shopping for groceries and necessities during their commute for added convenience. As more metros and buyer apps join the network, ONDC envisions an inclusive, accessible, and innovative future for urban mobility.

M.A. Siddique, I.A.S., MD of CMRL, expressed, "By partnering with ONDC, CMRL is now completely opening up access to its ticketing application service, allowing a wide range of app developers to integrate their apps with CMRL ticketing system. This move encourages innovation in integrated and multimodal transit solutions."

T. Koshy, MD & CEO, ONDC, emphasized, "At ONDC, we believe in embracing innovation. Chennai Metro joining the Open Network is a bold stride towards revolutionizing mass transit, unlocking a full spectrum of possibilities for commuters."

As this collaboration ushers in a new era of interconnected urban transit, the future of commuting in India looks poised for efficiency, accessibility, and innovation.