MSRTC to introduce mandatory NCMC Smart Cards for concessional travel;

Chaitali Joshi

Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar

In a move to digitise concessional travel, the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) will introduce personalised ‘RuPay On-The-Go, enabled with NCMC’ smart cards for passengers availing fare concessions across its bus network.

As per Circular No. 03/2026, the system was approved in a board meeting held in 2025 and will be implemented under Phase V of the ETIM-ORS project soon, replacing the existing handwritten concessional pass mechanism with a digital, personalised and non-transferable card.

Currently, concessional travel benefits are extended through manual passes to categories such as students, senior citizens, women, persons with disabilities, accredited journalists and freedom fighters. Under the new system, eligible passengers will receive a smart card carrying their name and photograph, digitally storing concession category, fare discount and kilometre limits.

The card will feature both online and offline wallets. The offline wallet will be used by conductors for ticket issuance, while the online wallet will enable recharge, reservation and other transactions. The circular states that the NCMC-enabled card will be mandatory for availing concessional tickets.

The date from which the system will be made mandatory has not yet been specified.

BOX

Smart card registration & charges

Rs 199 for new NCMC card registrations

Rs 149 for existing semi-closed loop smart card holders (on surrender of old card)

Registration at depots, pass centres and authorised agents

Card to be issued within 30 days of registration

“This card will be applicable to concessional passengers, and it is important for those who are eligible. The date has not yet been confirmed. At present, the process of handing over the required instruments to the concerned agents is underway. More information regarding this will be available in the next two to three days.”

— Santosh Ghane, divisional traffic officer (DTO).

(AI photo)