HRTC cashless card bus travel facility now extended to metro cities like Delhi, Mumbai; find out how

MANDI: Himachal Road Transport Corporation’s (HRTC) adoption of the National Common Mobility Card (NCMC) has brought a major shift in how passengers pay for bus travel, with increasing uptake across the state and beyond.

This interoperable smart card, already a staple in metro systems, now allows HRTC passengers to travel without cash, internet or physical tickets.
The card enables fare payments via UPI, debit and credit cards, and is valid not only on HRTC buses but also in metro and bus networks in major cities, including Delhi and Mumbai.

The NCMC card, introduced with the aim of promoting digital and cashless transactions, can also be used for tolls, parking fees, retail purchases and ATM withdrawals.

First-time launch at Sarkaghat depot

The NCMC card was first made available to consumers at the Sarkaghat depot on October 19, 2024, according to Vijay Kashyap, Executive Regional Manager, HRTC, Sarkaghat.

“So far, we have issued 138 NCMC cards from our depot,” Kashyap informed. “These are being distributed through the State Bank of India and are available at our counters for just Rs 100. The card can be recharged with a minimum of Rs 100 and up to Rs 1,000, and it is valid for five years.”

Designed for low connectivity areas

A significant feature of the NCMC card is that it does not require internet connectivity for processing payments.
This makes it particularly beneficial in regions with low or no internet access, common in hilly and rural parts of Himachal Pradesh.

“Passengers can use the card offline, which eliminates the dependency on mobile networks or Wi-Fi during travel,” Kashyap added.

Broader utility under a single platform

The NCMC card serves as an inter-operable transport card, allowing passengers to manage multiple payment needs under one platform.
It supports public transport fares, toll payments, ATM transactions, and point-of-sale purchases.

This initiative is part of the HRTC’s broader push toward digital transformation in public transport. The corporation has already rolled out Green and Smart Cards, 50% fare concessions for women, free travel for persons with disabilities, and ATM services at key bus stations.

Passenger response: Convenience and efficiency

Local residents and regular commuters have welcomed the move. Suresh Kumar Verma, a businessman from Sarkaghat, said the card has simplified his inter-district and inter-state travel.
“I frequently travel across Himachal and sometimes to other states. The NCMC card saves time, removes the hassle of carrying cash and works even in Delhi and Mumbai. It’s a major convenience. I thank Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu for this initiative,” Verma stated.

Ashok Kumar, another businessman from the region, echoed the sentiment.
“I use HRTC buses regularly for business-related travel outside the state. With the NCMC card, I no longer worry about change or queues. The cashless system introduced by the state government is highly efficient, and I’m grateful for it,” he said.

Munish Sood