ONDC (Open network for digital commerce) is aggressively wooing Metro train operators to use its network to host one single App for their commuters to plan Metro rides and for buying train tickets.
News in detail
A transformative shift is underway for metro rail passengers in India, thanks to the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) initiative, backed by the government. The ONDC is collaborating with metro rail operators in cities such as Chennai, Bengaluru, and Kochi to simplify the digital ticketing process. Commuters will be able to purchase QR-code tickets, recharge their travel smart cards, and even book last-mile commute services such as auto rickshaws or cabs, all within a single app, making their travel experience more seamless.
Chennai Metro network is the latest to integrate with ONDC.
The Metro rail network integration with ONDC is gaining momentum and Chennai Metro is the latest metro operator to hop on the ONDC platform. An official announcement by Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) is happening soon, as their pilot project looks to be going on at this moment. Bengaluru Metro Rail Corporation Ltd (BMRCL) has recently issued a tender to integrate QR code mobile ticketing and card recharge with ONDC and the Bharat Bill Payment System (BBPS) platform. This move solidifies the vision of a unified urban mobility experience for commuters.
The ultimate aim: country-wide integration of mobility networks
The ultimate goal is to empower commuters with a one-stop solution, an ONDC-integrated app, to meet all their urban mobility needs. As more mobility apps integrate with ONDC, users will have the flexibility to choose from a variety of interoperable applications for a seamless experience.
According to sources, the ONDC has been actively engaging with metro operators across India to discuss integration. Chennai Metro is expected to be available on ONDC from February 2, with Kochi Metro following suit in the coming month. During a recent meeting between ONDC, the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade, and the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, Metro train network operators were informed about the integration process and the benefits of interoperability.
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The popular Namma Yatri App is hosted on ONDC
The ONDC ecosystem continues to expand, it has partnered with Google Maps and Namma Yatri, an auto-rickshaw aggregator. Commuters can now access Metro timings, locate the nearest station, purchase tickets, and secure last-mile connectivity through auto-rickshaws – all within the ONDC platform. Looking ahead, ONDC is gearing up to extend its services to include other modes of transportation, such as local trains, cabs, and flights.
Namma Yatri, operational in Bengaluru, Mysuru, Tumakuru, Kochi, Delhi, and Chennai, has become an integral part of the ONDC network. In Kolkata, it operates as Yatri Saathi, while Hyderabad sees the presence of Yaary, another firm backed by ONDC and founded by former fintech professionals, providing auto-rickshaw services. This collaborative effort is driving the nation towards a comprehensive, end-to-end digital journey for urban commuters.
Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC)
ONDC aims to create a fair and open digital commerce network, empower small businesses, provide user convenience, offer competitive pricing, and promote a diverse range of choices. Other platforms may have different business models, varying government backing, and may not focus on supporting small businesses.
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