- By Nidhi Giri
- Wed, 09 Apr 2025 08:45 AM (IST)
- Source:JND
Bengaluru Namma Metro Update: The Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) temporarily suspended the issuance of National Common Mobility Cards (NCMC) at metro stations after passengers using these cards for travel on Namma Metro faced difficulties with recharging and using them for metro trips.
BMRCL officials said the issues stemmed from a transition in backend systems after RBL Bank, which supplies the NCMC cards, changed its vendor. This change caused technical difficulties, leading to problems for cardholders. BMRCL is providing affected passengers with contactless Namma Metro cards and transferring the balance from their NCMC cards to the new cards at no extra charge.
Issue To Be Resolved By April 15
On an average, around 1,000 people approach customer care points at Metro stations each day for NCMC cards. Officials said the issue will be resolved by April 15.
"While NCMC card users are relatively fewer compared to those using contactless smart cards, tokens, or QR codes, we have decided to issue contactless cards free of charge to those affected. A section of NCMC cardholders is facing the problem, and we have been informed that the matter will be resolved by April 15," said an official, as quoted by a Times Of India report.
In another update, BMRCL has revised the timeline for the much-anticipated Namma Metro Pink Line. The 21.25-kilometre corridor, which is under construction, is now planned to be opened in phases. The first phase is expected to be ready by December 2025, while the complete line will likely become operational by the end of 2026.
The Pink Line, which connects Kalena Agrahara (Gottigere) to Nagawara, is being developed in two stages. Phase 1 includes both underground and elevated sections covering about 13.92 km with twelve stations including six underground and six elevated. BMRCL aims to open this portion first to ease traffic congestion in key areas of the city.
