One Nation, One Card: Delhi to launch colour-coded Smart Mobility Cards for Metro, RRTS and Bus

New Delhi, India (Metro Rail Today): In a transformative step towards seamless urban travel, the Delhi government is set to roll out the National Common Mobility Card (NCMC) across all public transport systems, including buses, Delhi Metro, and the Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS). The initiative will enable commuters to travel using a single, interoperable smart card, enhancing convenience and reducing the reliance on cash-based ticketing.

The Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) has floated tenders inviting nationalised banks to issue the new colour-coded NCMC smart cards, which will be available to residents aged 12 and above with valid address proof.

Three Colour-Coded Cards for Inclusivity and Access

The NCMC rollout will include three types of cards, each targeted to a specific group of commuters:

• Pink Cards: Exclusively for women and transgender commuters. These offer free travel in DTC buses and paid access in DMRC Metro and RRTS.

• Blue Cards: Available to all general passengers without special concessions.

• Orange Cards: Designed for monthly pass holders, covering both general and concessional fare categories.

These cards can be acquired through branches of partner banks, as well as through designated kiosks and service centers. Selected banks will offer instant issuance and recharge options, both online and offline.

Real-Time, Cashless Fare Payments

During travel, commuters will use the card with Electronic Ticketing Machines (ETMs):

• The bus conductor will input the destination

• The ETM will calculate and deduct the fare from the card

• Transaction data is sent in real time to the Automatic Fare Collection System (AFCS)

• Daily settlements occur between banks, ensuring smooth operations

Cards can be recharged via internet banking, POS locations, and other digital channels offered by the issuing banks.

Seamless Integration Across Multiple Modes

The NCMC is part of a broader national initiative, aligned with the "One Nation, One Card" policy by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA). With NCMC, commuters can:

• Use the same card across cities participating in the scheme

• Travel by bus, metro, RRTS, and potentially other transit modes like e-rickshaws and suburban rail

• Avoid cash transactions, enabling faster boarding and reduced queues

Mrs. Mamta Shah, MD & CEO of Urban Infra Group, welcomed the initiative:

“The NCMC rollout in Delhi is a pivotal moment for India’s public transport modernisation. By promoting seamless multi-modal travel, this move empowers citizens and reduces friction in daily commuting. It also strengthens the digital infrastructure needed for future smart city mobility solutions.”

DTC Ridership Trends Reflect High Demand

According to official DTC ridership data (January–June 2025):

• 14.25 lakh male passengers and 14.79 lakh female passengers traveled daily (excluding pass holders)

• 7.3 lakh general passes and 3.5 lakh concessional passes were issued in FY 2024–25

This data underscores the massive scale of daily public transport usage and the need for smart, integrated ticketing systems like the NCMC.

Digital Enforcement and Safety

To ensure fare compliance and safety:

• Inspectors will verify card or e-ticket validity using handheld ETMs

• Invalid cards or unpaid tickets will trigger fines, with system-generated receipts

• All digital and cash transactions are reconciled daily at depots to ensure revenue integrity

The NCMC launch will bring Delhi one step closer to a unified, smart mobility future, integrating buses, metro, and RRTS under a single cashless ticketing platform. By embracing digital transformation and inclusive design, Delhi is setting a benchmark for urban mobility innovation in India.