Kochi metro joins ONDC network
Open Network for Digital Commerce creates an ecosystem where metro tickets, auto and car bookings, and grocery shopping are available on one platform; integration termed a significant milestone in revolutionising urban mobility
The Kochi metro has joined the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) network – the second mode of mass rapid transport after Chennai metro.
Commuters can thus avail a single or return trip in Kochi metro through, among others, Yatri, Paytm, Rapido, redBus and PhonePe apps.
Efforts are also under way to enable commuters to book tickets from Google Maps, Uber and EaseMyTrip, among others, stakeholders said at a function held here on Thursday to announce the metro joining the ONDC network.
The inclusion of the Kochi metro in the network marks a significant stride towards creating a comprehensive digital multimodaltransit system.
Commuters can thus enjoy a seamless journey combining various modes of transport, such as first mile (in autorickshaw), middle mile (in metro rail) and last mile (again in auto), all accessible through the network, they added.
Speaking of the development, chief guest at the function Sanjiv, Joint Secretary, Department for Promotion of Industry and
Internal Trade (DPIIT), said that the integration of the Kochi metro with ONDC was a step forward in the mission to digitise and streamline urban transit, making it more efficient and accessible for everyone.
In his address, Bejoy John, Director, DPIIT, said that the initiative would catalyse the vision for a seamless digital ecosystem, directly benefiting commuters and setting a precedent for urban transport strategies. It was a prime example of how governmentled digital initiatives could transform everyday services for the public, fostering a more inclusive and sustainable urban mobility ecosystem, he added.
“The integration of the Kochi metro onto the ONDC network marked a significant milestone in the journey to revolutionise urban mobility.
“It would be exciting to witness newer entities joining the open network, creating an ecosystem where metro tickets, auto and car bookings and grocery shopping would be available in one open network,” said the managing director and CEO of ONDC, T. Koshy.
Loknath Behera, managing director of Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL), said that the making available of the metro’s ticketing services through a diverse range of buyer apps in the ONDC network was a significant step towards enabling accessibility and convenience.
“We look forward to working closely with ONDC to explore innovative possibilities, including multimodal journeys and ancillary services, to elevate the overall travel experience in Kochi,” he said.
Speaking to The Hindu, Nitin Nair, Senior Vice President, Mobility, Transportation, Travel and Logistics of ONDC, said that QRbased ticketing to travel in metro opened up multiple choices for commuters, who hitherto depended on the Kochi1 app and a dedicated WhatsApp number, among others, to purchase tickets.
Incorporated in 2021, ONDC is an initiative of the DPIIT under the Union Ministry of Commerce and Industry.