BMRCL to Integrate with ONDC for Smarter Metro Access

Post by : Amit

Bengaluru, India — In a pioneering move that could redefine how commuters interact with public transportation, the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) has announced its decision to integrate with the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) — India’s ambitious digital commerce backbone.

This integration aims to create a more seamless, interoperable, and digitally inclusive commuting experience for metro riders across Bengaluru, potentially setting a template for other urban transport systems across the country.

The partnership between BMRCL and ONDC isn't just about digital payments or online ticketing. It's about embedding metro services into a wider ecosystem of apps, platforms, and commerce services powered by ONDC — India’s government-backed open protocol for democratizing digital access.

With this integration, metro tickets, passes, and services could soon be available through various apps — whether travel, retail, banking, or mobility — that are connected to the ONDC network. Commuters will no longer be limited to using a specific app or platform to access metro services.

For instance, a commuter might be able to plan, book, and pay for a metro ride from a food delivery app, a digital wallet, or a ride-hailing platform, all thanks to ONDC’s plug-and-play architecture.

The Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) is a flagship initiative by the Government of India, aimed at creating an open, interoperable digital ecosystem that breaks the monopolies of big tech platforms. By opening up access and standards, ONDC allows businesses, buyers, and service providers to interact more freely, securely, and affordably.

In the context of public transport, this means any app connected to ONDC could serve as a transit gateway, offering metro tickets, last-mile services, real-time updates, and more — all in one place.

For metro agencies like BMRCL, it’s an opportunity to expand their digital footprint without building custom infrastructure, while for users, it means greater convenience, choice, and accessibility.

With the ONDC integration, the average Bengaluru commuter could soon:

• Buy metro tickets or recharge smart cards through everyday apps they already use
• Receive real-time train schedules and service updates
• Access bundled offers (e.g., metro + cab, or metro + parking) through unified platforms
• Enjoy smoother multi-modal journeys by combining metro, buses, autos, and bikes

This would particularly benefit non-tech-savvy users, tourists, and residents who use different mobility apps, ensuring they don’t need to download or register with multiple services to access public transit.

BMRCL’s move comes as part of a broader Smart Mobility initiative in Bengaluru, where the city aims to leverage digital tools to improve accessibility, affordability, and sustainability in public transportation.

The integration also aligns with India’s Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) vision, which includes UPI (Unified Payments Interface), Aadhaar, and ONDC as key pillars of an open, connected economy.

By becoming one of the first metro agencies in India to join ONDC, BMRCL is taking a bold step toward a more integrated, intelligent urban transit ecosystem.

While the integration offers significant benefits, successful implementation will depend on:

• Seamless technical integration of metro systems with ONDC’s protocols
• Widespread app participation from ONDC-enabled platforms
• Strong user awareness and training, especially among offline-first commuters

However, given the strong institutional support for ONDC, along with Bengaluru’s vibrant tech ecosystem, the initiative is expected to roll out progressively over the coming months.

With this forward-thinking move, BMRCL isn’t just upgrading its ticketing system — it’s reimagining what public transport can be in a digitally empowered city. By plugging into ONDC’s vast and growing network, Bengaluru is on track to become a model for smart, accessible, and inclusive urban mobility across India.

Metro, Mass Mobility