Kochi Metro Rail Ltd (KMRL) has announced its partnership with the Indian government-backed Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC), marking a significant milestone in the realm of urban transportation. Following Chennai Metro, KMRL is the second metro service to embrace this innovative digital platform, aimed at revolutionizing the way commuters engage with urban transit systems.

This collaboration heralds a new era of convenience and efficiency for Kochi’s residents, as it enables seamless ticket purchases through various apps within the ONDC network. By integrating with ONDC, KMRL underscores its commitment to providing sustainable transportation solutions while enhancing accessibility for its passengers.

Through the ONDC network, Kochi Metro commuters now have the flexibility to purchase single and return journey tickets via four primary buyer apps: Yatri, Paytm, Rapido, and redBus, with the recent addition of PhonePe, thereby offering a wider selection to cater to diverse preferences. Moreover, the integration opens doors for future expansions, facilitating ticket bookings through popular platforms like Google Maps, Uber, and EaseMyTrip.

Sanjiv Singh, Joint Secretary of the Department for Promotion of Industry & Internal Trade (DPIIT), and Sanjiv Loknath Behera, Managing Director of KMRL, expressed their optimism regarding this integration. Singh envisioned a future where digital inclusivity would personalize the urban transportation experience for every commuter, emphasizing the transformative potential of such collaborations.

Managing Director Behera echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing the significance of extending ticketing services across a diverse array of buyer apps within the ONDC Network. He emphasized that this move substantially enhances accessibility and convenience for commuters, aligning with KMRL’s commitment to delivering seamless and sustainable transportation solutions.

Furthermore, Behera highlighted the potential for collaboration with ONDC to explore innovative avenues, such as multimodal journeys and ancillary services, to enhance commuters’ overall travel experience.

The integration of Kochi Metro with ONDC not only streamlines ticket purchases but also paves the way for more innovative solutions in urban mobility. By exploring possibilities for multimodal journeys and ancillary services, KMRL aims to elevate the commuting experience for its passengers.

With ONDC’s network continually expanding, new buyer apps gain instant access to Kochi Metro’s ticket inventory, providing customers with more options and convenience. This synergistic partnership between KMRL and ONDC epitomizes a forward-looking approach towards enhancing urban transportation and fostering digital integration for the benefit of commuters.