One Card for All Metros

A recent decision by the Government might make your cross-country travel a little easier. There&rsquos talk of a new smart card that can be used across all Metro rail networks for a limited number of trips. But it will require you to charge them at the station when you go to avail the facilities in different Metro networks. All you need to do is carry some proof of identification. Presently, the rail corporation issued smart cards can only be used for travel within the Metro networks of a city. These were designed with the help of some foreign partners.

The urban affairs ministry has been charged with the task of coming up with specifications for these new cards, which will be on the lines of the One Nation One Card. As reported by Times of India, &ldquoThe card has to be uploaded at different Metro networks since each of them have separate fare rules," said an official.

This card bears some similarities with the previously launched &lsquoOne Nation One Card&rsquo which is wholly meant for public transport and retail purchases. Though attaining one will need compliance with strict KYC rules as they aren&rsquot much different from credit or debit cards provided by banks. Foreign tourists and many others wanting to avoid involving the banking procedure are to benefit from this scheme.

The launch is tentatively set for the end of the year.