NCMC Smart Card Mandatory For Concession from August 1; EV Buses, Bike Taxi Policy Soon Across Maharashtra

The Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) has announced a series of major initiatives aimed at modernising public transport, improving passenger convenience, and increasing transparency in service delivery across the state.

Transport Minister and MSRTC Chairman Pratap Sarnaik made the announcements at the corporation's headquarters in Mumbai.

1. NCMC Smart Card Mandatory for Travel Concessions from August 1

Starting August 1, passengers availing travel concessions on MSRTC buses will be required to use the National Common Mobility Card (NCMC).

Who Will Need the Card?

In the first phase, the rule will apply to:

• Women passengers
• Senior citizens
• Beneficiaries of the Amrut Senior Citizen Scheme

The requirement will later be extended to other concession categories in a phased manner.

Why Is the Rule Being Introduced?

MSRTC currently offers around 35 types of travel concessions, including benefits for:

• Students
• Persons with disabilities
• Women
• Senior citizens
• Award-winning citizens

According to the corporation, cases of people using fake identity cards and forged documents to claim concessions have been increasing. The NCMC-based digital verification system is expected to:

• Prevent misuse of welfare schemes
• Improve transparency
• Ensure genuine beneficiaries receive concessions

2. Over 51 Lakh Registrations Completed

The NCMC rollout has already seen significant participation across Maharashtra.

Commuters Data:

• 51 lakh+ passengers have registered
• Around 25 lakh cards have been activated
• More than 4,000 distribution centres have been established statewide

Passengers can obtain their cards from these centres.

The Transport Minister also warned that strict action would be taken against centres found charging applicants more than the prescribed fee.

3. One Nation, One Card: Multiple Uses for NCMC

The NCMC Smart Card is being introduced under the "One Nation, One Card" initiative.

What Can the Card Be Used For?

With a single card, users will be able to:

• Travel on MSRTC buses
• Use railway services
• Access metro networks
• Pay toll charges
• Make various digital payments

Linking with Identity Documents

The card will be integrated with:

• Aadhaar for women and senior citizens
• Unique Disability ID (UDID) for persons with disabilities
• Saral Identification Number for students

4. Maharashtra Bike Taxi Policy Expected Next Week

In a significant development for urban commuters, the state government is expected to unveil its long-awaited bike taxi aggregator policy next week.

The policy aims to:

• Regulate app-based bike taxi services
• Improve last-mile connectivity
• Address licensing and safety concerns

Sarnaik stated that any extension for petrol-powered bike taxis would require Cabinet approval.

The announcement comes amid ongoing legal and regulatory disputes over bike taxi operations in Maharashtra.

Recently:

• Maharashtra Cyber Department issued notices to Apple and Google seeking the removal of Ola, Uber, and Rapido from app stores.
• Authorities alleged illegal bike taxi operations.
• The action was later put on hold within 24 hours.

Sarnaik also alleged that some platforms reimbursed riders for penalties imposed by transport authorities, effectively shielding them from enforcement action.

5. MSRTC Accelerates Electric Bus Expansion

MSRTC has reaffirmed its commitment to fleet modernization through the expansion of electric and air-conditioned buses.

Long-Term Goal

The corporation plans to gradually transition towards a fully electric bus fleet by 2035.

Progress So Far

• 2,640 buses inducted in the first phase
• Delivery of 3,000 additional buses currently underway
• Remaining buses expected before Diwali
• Another 5,000 buses planned in future phases

The move is expected to reduce fuel costs while enhancing passenger comfort.

6. Review of Loss-Making Routes

MSRTC will conduct a review of routes with:

• Low passenger occupancy
• Persistent financial losses

The objective is to improve operational efficiency and optimise resource utilisation.

Essential Services to Continue

The minister clarified that services catering to:

• Rural communities
• Pilgrims
• Women passengers

will continue to receive protection and support.

7. Transport Check Posts Likely to Be Closed

The Maharashtra government has taken an in-principle decision to shut down transport check posts across the state.

The move is expected to:

• Simplify transport operations
• Reduce delays for commercial vehicles
• Improve overall logistics efficiency

8. Relief for MSRTC Employees

MSRTC employees will receive a Dearness Allowance (DA) increase, bringing them on par with state government employees.

Employee Benefits Announced

• DA increased to 58%
• House Rent Allowance (HRA) revised upward
• Approximately 86,000 employees and their families expected to benefit

Key Takeaway

MSRTC's latest announcements mark one of the most significant public transport reform packages in recent years. From mandatory smart cards and bike taxi regulation to electric bus expansion and employee welfare measures, the initiatives are aimed at creating a more transparent, technology-driven, and passenger-friendly transport system across Maharashtra.