PhonePe launches ‘RuPay On-The-Go’ NCMC Card for seamless transit payments

The prepaid contactless card will debut with Hyderabad Metro and allow commuters to pay for transport, tolls, and parking even without internet connectivity through a stored-value system compatible with NCMC-enabled networks nationwide.

PhonePe has launched the PhonePe ‘RuPay On-The-Go’ Card, a prepaid mobility solution built on the RuPay platform under the National Common Mobility Card (NCMC) framework. The move aims to simplify transit payments and support India’s ‘One Nation One Card’ vision for a unified public transport payment system.

The card is designed to allow commuters to make quick contactless payments across various NCMC-enabled services including metro networks, buses, suburban trains, toll plazas, and parking facilities. By enabling a single payment tool across multiple transport systems, the company hopes to make daily commuting more convenient for millions of users.

Offline tap-and-pay for public transport

One of the key features of the new card is its prepaid, stored-value system, where the balance is stored directly on the chip embedded in the card. This allows commuters to make contactless “tap-and-pay” transactions even in areas where internet connectivity is unavailable.

Users can load up to ₹2,000 on the card, with an offline transaction limit of ₹500. The cards are issued instantly, which the company says will help improve accessibility and ease of use for regular public transport passengers.

Speaking on the launch, Deep Agrawal, Head of Payments at PhonePe, said, “We are excited to launch the PhonePe 'On-The-Go' Card aimed towards crores of consumers who use public transport to commute everyday. This card enables quick 'Tap-and-Pay' transactions at transit providers across the country. It works without the need for internet connectivity via a balance present on the card. It is our first step in integrating our digital wallet ecosystem with national public transport, delivering a secure experience for every commuter and furthering the foundation for national interoperability on the back of the NCMC framework powered by RuPay.”

Rollout begins with Hyderabad Metro

The card is being introduced initially for commuters using the Hyderabad Metro in partnership with L&T Metro Rail Hyderabad Limited. In the first phase, commuters can purchase the card at metro ticket counters after completing a one-time mobile number verification through an OTP.

Users can also recharge the card through various payment options including UPI, cash, or bank cards at metro stations. Although the card is currently being issued in Hyderabad, it can be used at any NCMC-enabled transit system across India, including networks in cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, and Bengaluru.

PhonePe said the launch marks its entry into the transit payments segment, complementing its existing digital services such as ticket booking, travel passes, and smart card recharges available through its mobile application.