MSRTC Goes Digital: National Common Mobility Card to Become Mandatory for Concession Passengers

Maharashtra | 11 Feb 2026 In a major move towards digitising public transport, the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) has announced that it will implement the National Common Mobility Card (NCMC) system across the state. The smart card will be made mandatory for passengers availing social concessions. The decision was announced on Wednesday by Transport Minister and MSRTC Chairman Pratap Sarnaik, marking an important shift towards cashless and technology-driven travel. Calling it more than just a technical change, the minister said, "This is not merely a technical upgrade but a step towards digitally strengthening the trust of passengers. The system will offer key benefits, including accurate recording of concessions, transparent reimbursement, and convenient cashless transactions, all integrated into a single card." The move is expected to reduce errors in concession claims and bring more transparency to the system. Under the new arrangement, different categories of passengers will receive NCMC cards linked to official identity records. Students in school and technical education will get cards connected to their ‘Saral’ number. Senior citizens under the Amrut scheme, general senior citizens, and women passengers will receive Aadhaar-linked cards. Disabled passengers will be issued cards linked with their UDID number, while freedom fighters, accredited journalists, and state-level awardees will receive their cards through divisional depot offices. MSRTC has partnered with M. Ebix Technologies Ltd. and NSDL Payments Bank to roll out the project. A statewide registration drive will soon begin at all bus depots. The new NCMC card will be priced at ₹199, while existing smart card holders can upgrade for ₹149 by surrendering their old card. The minimum wallet balance will be ₹100, with recharges allowed in multiples of ₹50. Passengers will be able to recharge through ticket machines, the official website, mobile app, or authorised agents. Over 3,000 agents have been appointed, and registration facilities will also be available at bus stands to help rural passengers. As the official release noted, "With this initiative, the traditional system of cash transactions and paper tickets will gradually give way to smarter, safer and more transparent travel." Smart Travel Ahead: MSRTC Brings One Card System for Easier Bus Journeys The Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) has announced a major digital change in its bus services by introducing the National Common Mobility Card (NCMC). This smart card will now be compulsory for passengers who use social concession benefits. The decision was shared by Transport Minister and MSRTC Chairman Pratap Sarnaik and is seen as a big step towards cashless and transparent public transport. Explaining the purpose of the move, the minister said, "This is not merely a technical upgrade but a step towards digitally strengthening the trust of passengers. The system will offer key benefits, including accurate recording of concessions, transparent reimbursement, and convenient cashless transactions, all integrated into a single card." The card is expected to reduce paperwork and bring clarity in concession records. As per the plan, students will receive NCMC cards linked to their ‘Saral’ number, while senior citizens and women passengers will get Aadhaar-linked cards. Disabled passengers will have cards connected to their UDID number. Freedom fighters, accredited journalists, and state-level awardees will be issued cards through MSRTC’s divisional depot offices. MSRTC is working with M. Ebix Technologies Ltd. and NSDL Payments Bank to roll out the system. A statewide registration drive will begin soon at all bus depots. The new card will cost ₹199, while existing cardholders can upgrade for ₹149. Recharges can be done through ticket machines, the website, mobile app, or authorised agents. According to the official release, "With this initiative, the traditional system of cash transactions and paper tickets will gradually give way to smarter, safer and more transparent travel."