On April 1, 2026, the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) introduced a groundbreaking initiative called the RuPay On-The-Go National Common Mobility Card (NCMC), marking a significant stride in advancing digital solutions for public transport across the state. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis led the inauguration at Mantralaya in Mumbai, emphasizing the initiative’s potential to simplify travel, increase transparency, and boost overall efficiency for bus commuters.
The NCMC smart card, also known as the ‘RuPay On-The-Go’ scheme, aims to simplify fare concessions for passengers using ST buses while promoting a more digital and transparent system. NCMC-compatible smart cards, which will be linked to Aadhaar numbers, will be distributed to various passenger groups, including students, senior citizens, women, differently-abled individuals, and other concession holders. The launch ceremony was attended by prominent figures such as Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Minister Pratap Sarnaik.
मुख्यमंत्री देवेंद्र फडणवीस यांनी आज मंत्रालय, मुंबई येथे महाराष्ट्र राज्य मार्ग परिवहन महामंडळाच्या ‘RuPay On-The-Go’ एनसीएमसी सक्षम स्मार्ट कार्ड योजनेचे लोकार्पण केले. या योजनेअंतर्गत प्रवाशांना एसटी बस प्रवासातील सवलतींचा लाभ अधिक सुलभतेने मिळणार असून, प्रवास व्यवस्थापन अधिक… pic.twitter.com/A3xree4zZy
— CMO Maharashtra (@CMOMaharashtra) April 1, 2026
What To Know About The Rollout Of These NCMC Smart Cards
The rollout of these smart cards will serve various passenger categories, providing easy access to fare discounts and improving the ticketing process. The symbolic distribution during the launch emphasized the initiative’s commitment to inclusivity. To ensure accessibility, the registration and issuance of smart cards will occur at all MSRTC depots and bus stations.
Additionally, approximately 3,000 approved centers will streamline the registration process, making it more accessible for residents across Maharashtra to obtain their cards.
The NCMC card will function as a prepaid wallet, requiring a minimum initial recharge of INR 100. Users can refill their cards through various channels, such as ETIM machines on buses, official websites, mobile applications, and registered agents.
Priced at INR 199, the card is aimed at being affordable for daily commuters. This innovative initiative seeks to enhance Maharashtra’s public transportation system by reducing manual processes and improving accountability, ultimately providing a seamless, user-friendly travel experience.
