The Haryana State Transport Department is set to launch the National Common Mobility Card (NCMC) to improve public transport convenience and accessibility. The decision was announced in a meeting led by Transport Minister Mool Chand Sharma. With this new system, passengers who qualify for subsidized transport will have all their data stored on this card, providing instant access to services they are eligible for.
The NCMC aims to streamline the travel experience for specific groups such as students, disabled individuals, lawmakers, and freedom fighters, among others. “All they need to do is present their NCMC card for instant access to the transport services they are entitled to,” an official statement clarified. The card offers added flexibility, allowing eligible passengers to pay 50% of their fare either in cash or by using the NCMC card. The cards are also easily rechargeable.
During the meeting, Sharma revealed current statistics related to the state’s public transport system. “There are a total of 3,723 buses in the Haryana Transport fleet, including 562 buses that are operated on rent from private owners,” he said. The daily passenger count has seen a rise, with nearly 8 lakh passengers utilizing these services every day.
Sharma also updated on the department’s initiatives for fleet expansion. “In 2022, the department issued a purchase order for 1000 new Euro-6 buses. As of now, 745 of these buses have been delivered to various depots,” he mentioned. Approval has been given for 375 electric 12-meter standard floor AC buses to operate in 9 cities including Karnal, Sonipat, Ambala, Yamunanagar, Panipat, Hisar, Rohtak, Panchkula, and Rewari.
The introduction of the NCMC is expected to make public transport more user-friendly in Haryana. By including features such as instant access and easy rechargeability, the card aims to remove existing barriers and make it simpler for residents to use public transport. This step is in line with the state’s larger goals of enhancing public transportation and making it more accessible to a broader segment of the population.
