In a major administrative reform, Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) has made it mandatory for passengers eligible for fare concessions to use the National Common Mobility Card (NCMC) while travelling on its buses. “The decision is part of the Corporation’s broader effort to modernise ticketing and ensure that Government subsidies reach the intended beneficiaries through a transparent digital mechanism. Pratap Sarnaik, Transport Minister and Chairman, MSRTC, announced the decision on February 11. For decades, concessional travel in ST buses relied on physical passes, identity cards and manual checks by conductors. Officials say, this system often caused delays, inconsistencies and difficulties in maintaining accurate records.

 

With the introduction of the NCMC-based system, eligibility details will now be digitally verified, reducing paperwork and minimising possibility of misuse. It may be noted that, passengers belonging to categories such as students, senior citizens, persons with disabilities, accredited journalists and other notified beneficiaries will need to obtain the mobility card to continue availing fare relaxation, informed Nilesh Bawane, Assistant Traffic Superintendent, MSRTC Nagpur. He also added that, the NCMC card will be applicable to all Lalpari routes, which offer concessions. The contactless smart card can be tapped on electronic ticketing machines, allowing quicker ticket issuance and reducing the need for cash transactions.

 

Transport authorities believe this will not only save time during boarding but also help create a unified, cashless travel experience across multiple public transport services in the future. Moreover, MSRTC incurs a substantial financial burden each year in providing concessional travel. By linking concessions to a digital card, the corporation will be able to maintain precise travel data, calculate subsidy reimbursements accurately and improve financial planning. Officials say, the move will help them track how frequently concessions are used, identify genuine beneficiaries and ensure that public funds are utilised efficiently. The adoption of the NCMC platform, which was introduced in 2019, is also seen as a step towards integrating various modes of transport under a single payment system, allowing commuters to use one card across buses and other transit networks as such systems expand. With this move, MSRTC enters a new phase of digital operations, replacing manual concession processes with a technology-driven framework aimed at transparency, efficiency and commuter convenience. Assistance is being arranged for elderly passengers and those unfamiliar with digital systems. For this project, the MSRTC has tied up with M. Ebix Technologies Ltd. and NSDL Payments Bank. 

 

Who can get the card? Students: Those pursuing school and technical education will get a card linked to their ‘Saral’ no. Senior Citizens and Women: Beneficiaries of Amrut senior citizens’ and Mahila Samman’ schemes will be given card linked to Aadhaar. Divyang: Special card linked to UDID no. Journalists and Freedom fighters: Cards will be distributed through Divisional offices. 

 

 

If you have an old card: You can get a new NCMC card for Rs 149 by depositing the old one. Minimum wallet balance: Rs 100 (recharge can be done in multiples of 50) Recharge facility: It can be done at the conductor’s ETIM machine on the bus, official website, mobile app or through designated agents.