DMRC and Airtel Payments Bank launch RuPay NCMC cards to enable seamless metro travel and digital payments across India under the One Nation, One Card vision.

Delhi commuters may soon need just one card to travel across multiple metro and public transport networks in India with DMRC and Airtel collaboration. Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) and Airtel Payments Bank have partnered to launch co-branded RuPay National Common Mobility Cards (NCMC), designed to simplify metro travel and digital payments.

The new “On-The-Go” cards were launched during an event at the DMRC headquarters in Delhi. The launch was attended by DMRC Managing Director Vikas Kumar, Airtel Payments Bank MD and CEO Anubrata Biswas, along with senior officials from both organisations.

One Card Transforms Daily Commuting

The co-branded cards will be available as both debit cards and prepaid payment instrument (PPI-MTS) cards. They are enabled with the National Common Mobility Card framework, allowing commuters to use a single card for metro rides, buses, and other transit systems across different cities. Unlike existing Delhi Metro smart cards, which work only within the DMRC network, the new open-loop RuPay cards can be used across multiple public transport systems nationwide.

According to DMRC, the cards will be available at all Delhi Metro stations within the next 10 days. Users will also be able to recharge them digitally through the DMRC app and the Airtel app.

What Makes the New NCMC Cards Different

Here are some key features of the newly launched cards:

  • Single-card access for metro, buses, and other transit services

  • Works across multiple cities and transport systems

  • Available as debit and prepaid cards

  • Digital recharge support through DMRC and Airtel apps

  • Reduced dependence on station queues for top-ups

Officials said the initiative supports the Government of India’s “One Nation, One Card” vision, which aims to create a unified and seamless payment system for urban mobility.

Can Digital Payments Make Public Transport Easier

DMRC believes the partnership is a major step toward integrated urban mobility in India. Speaking at the launch, Managing Director Dr. Vikas Kumar said DMRC continues to focus on technology-driven solutions that improve passenger convenience. He added that the partnership with Airtel Payments Bank would help commuters experience smooth and harmonious travel not just in Delhi, but across transit systems nationwide.

Airtel CEO Anubrata Biswas also highlighted the growing role of digital-first payment solutions in everyday commuting. He said the collaboration reflects a shared vision to modernize urban mobility while supporting secure and seamless payments.

The launch also signals a broader shift in how public transport and financial services are coming together. By integrating travel payments into one digital ecosystem, commuters may experience faster access, easier recharges, and greater flexibility while travelling.

As Business Fortune observes the launch of interoperable mobility cards could encourage wider adoption of cashless travel systems across India. As more cities integrate with the NCMC framework, commuters may soon be able to travel across different transport networks using a single card and a unified payment experience.