June 19, 2025: In a major step towards integrated urban mobility, the Maharashtra government has officially launched the National Common Mobility Card (NCMC), branded locally as the ‘Mumbai1’ card. Designed to offer seamless, cashless access across multiple public transport systems, the card supports travel on the Mumbai Metro, BEST buses, and suburban trains—in alignment with the national ‘One Nation, One Card’ initiative.
The Mumbai1 card is a contactless, interoperable smart card that enables commuters to simply tap and go, reducing the need for separate tickets and helping to ease congestion at ticket counters. Cards can be obtained from designated metro stations and authorised distribution centres, with an initial top-up amount of Rs 100.
The initiative is expected to significantly improve commuter convenience, encourage digital payment adoption, and contribute to the government’s vision of developing Mumbai into a smart and digitally connected city. The system is intended not only to enhance the day-to-day travel experience for regular commuters but also to provide a more efficient and environmentally friendly alternative to paper-based ticketing.
The launch of the Mumbai1 card reflects a broader effort to integrate various modes of public transport under a single payment platform. With Mumbai rapidly expanding its transport infrastructure—including metro corridors, bus rapid transit, and rail upgrades—the ability to use a single card across networks is a timely and much-needed development.
Experts in urban mobility have welcomed the move, noting that such innovations are essential for building sustainable, commuter-friendly cities. As Mumbai faces mounting pressure from rising population density and travel demand, the Mumbai1 card could play a key role in streamlining access, reducing travel time, and supporting the evolution of a more efficient, tech-enabled public transport system.
Source: Urban Acres
