June 16, 2025: In a significant leap towards integrated and contactless urban mobility, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis inaugurated the National Common Mobility Card (NCMC) for Mumbai Metro Line 3 on June 10 2025. The initiative has been spearheaded by the Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation Ltd (MMRC), in partnership with the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) and the State Bank of India (SBI).
Powered by RuPay, the NCMC allows commuters to enjoy a seamless, queue-free experience across Metro Line 3 stations, which cover the stretch from Aarey JVLR to Acharya Atre Chowk. Effective from June 11, the card is now operational on Line 3 and is also valid on Mumbai Metro Lines 1, 2A, and 7, in addition to Chalo buses. This rollout is expected to greatly enhance commuter convenience and promote greater integration across the city’s public transport systems.
The launch event was attended by key dignitaries, including Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar, Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule, and Chief Secretary Sujata Saunik.
Ashwini Bhide, Managing Director of MMRC, hailed the NCMC launch as a “significant milestone” for Mumbai’s transport network. She emphasised that Line 3, being the city’s first underground Metro corridor, is equipped with future-ready infrastructure, and that the adoption of contactless fare payment is vital for providing a smooth, commuter-friendly experience.
Also referred to as the Aqua Line, Metro Line 3 spans 33.5 kilometres, connecting Cuffe Parade, Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC), and Aarey JVLR through 27 stations. Phase 2A, recently inaugurated, adds 9.77 kilometres from BKC to Acharya Atre Chowk and includes six new stations.
The NCMC initiative aligns with the Government of India’s vision for a unified transport payment system and underscores Mumbai’s leadership in advancing smart mobility solutions.
Source: Construction World
