The compulsory rollout of the National Common Mobility Card (NCMC) has run into serious trouble in the Nagpur division, with server crashes, network failures and delays in the delivery of cards disrupting travel concessions on MSRTC buses since September 1. The troubled launch has raised questions over the preparedness of a system meant to serve more than one crore beneficiaries across Maharashtra. The RuPay-enabled NCMC cards are issued by NSDL Payments Bank, while EbixCash provides the technology and distribution infrastructure for the programme. However, the system reportedly struggled as large numbers of beneficiaries began accessing concession services after the card was made compulsory.

 

Adding to the problems, several citizens who registered for NCMC cards through authorised agents and designated offices have still not received their cards even days after completing the registration process. MSRTC has extended concession benefits until September 30 for such registered applicants, who can travel by producing their registration receipts. The difficulties have been particularly acute on rural ST routes under the Nagpur division, where poor network connectivity has compounded server-related problems. A senior official at the Nagpur Divisional Office of MSRTC said, “The agencies concerned were working to strengthen the server infrastructure and rectify technical glitches. The work hopefully will be done until the extended deadline ends.”

 

Another lapse has emerged at the operational level. Some bus conductors on rural routes were reportedly unaware that eligible passengers who had not yet registered for NCMC could continue availing concessional fares until September 14. Some passengers were consequently charged full fare. The situation exposes serious gaps in the rollout. The system was made compulsory while thousands were still awaiting their cards, technical infrastructure was struggling to cope with demand and some frontline employees remained unaware of revised instructions. For concession beneficiaries in the Nagpur division, the promised digital convenience has instead begun with server failures, delayed cards and confusion over benefits they are entitled to receive. 

 

MSRTC had recently extended the deadline until September 14, allowing eligible passengers to continue availing their existing travel concessions without the NCMC card.

 

Registered but card not received? 

Passengers who have registered for the NCMC but are yet to receive their cards can continue availing concessional travel until September 30 by producing their registration receipt. The extensions provide temporary relief to beneficiaries as technical issues affecting the new NCMC system are being addressed.