Kochi Metro joins ONDC Network to elevate Urban Mobility experience

Kochi, India (Metro Rail Today): In a significant stride towards enhancing urban transportation, Kochi Metro Rail (KMRL) has officially joined the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) network, marking its presence as the second metro service after Chennai Metro to integrate with ONDC. This move is poised to revolutionize the way urban commuters experience mobility.

The integration of KMRL with ONDC has been announced, aimed at facilitating seamless ticket purchases for Kochi Metro commuters through various applications within the ONDC Network. This collaboration underscores the commitment of both entities to innovate and streamline urban transit solutions for the populace.

Through the ONDC Network, commuters can now effortlessly procure single journey and return journey tickets for the Kochi Metro via four buyer apps: Yatri, Paytm, Rapido, and redBus. Additionally, ticket bookings are also made accessible through the PhonePe app, providing commuters with a plethora of options to choose from.

The inclusion of Kochi Metro Rail into the ONDC Network not only expands the reach of ticketing services but also augments customer convenience by offering a diverse range of platforms for ticket purchases.

Sanjiv Singh, the joint secretary of the Department for Promotion of Industry & Internal Trade (DPIIT), expressed that the integration of KMRL with ONDC heralds a future where digital inclusivity transforms urban transportation into a personalized experience for every commuter. He emphasized that the initiative aligns with the broader mission to digitize and optimize urban transit systems, making them more accessible and efficient for all.

Echoing similar sentiments, Sanjiv Loknath Behera, Managing Director of KMRL, stated, "This integration resonates with our commitment to delivering seamless and sustainable transportation solutions to the residents of Kochi. By extending our ticketing services across a diverse array of buyer apps within the ONDC Network, we are significantly enhancing accessibility and convenience for commuters." Behera further highlighted the potential for collaboration with ONDC to explore innovative avenues, including multimodal journeys and ancillary services, to elevate the overall travel experience for commuters.

The Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) is a private non-profit Section 8 company established by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade of the Government of India, with a vision to foster open e-commerce platforms.

The integration of Kochi Metro Rail with the ONDC Network marks a pivotal milestone in the evolution of urban transportation infrastructure. By leveraging digital platforms to streamline ticketing processes and enhance commuter convenience, this collaboration exemplifies a concerted effort towards creating more accessible, efficient, and sustainable urban transit solutions.