Eraaya Lifespaces Subsidiary Ebix Launches India's First Statewide NCMC Smartcard Programme

Eraaya Lifespaces Subsidiary Ebix Launches India's First Statewide NCMC Smartcard Programme​

Eraaya Lifespaces' flagship subsidiary, Ebix Technologies Limited, has partnered with NSDL Payments Bank to introduce a landmark National Common Mobility Card (NCMC) programme for the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC). The initiative, which replaces previous paper-based concession processes, establishes a statewide, interoperable digital payment ecosystem for concessionaires.

The launch was inaugurated by the Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Devendra Fadnavis, and was attended by Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Sunetra Ajit Pawar, and Cabinet Minister for Transport Pratap Sarnaik.

This project represents the country's first statewide NCMC rollout specifically designed for concessionaires, unifying over 50 concessional categories under a single digital platform for the first time.

Programme Scope and Scale​

The NCMC programme aims to bring simplicity and dignity to public transport payments for millions of senior citizens, students, women, and persons with disabilities who rely on Maharashtra's bus network. With a fleet exceeding 16,000 buses transporting over 13 crore passengers monthly across Maharashtra's regions, MSRTC provides a vast setting for this ambitious technological upgrade.

Key operational metrics for the programme include:

• Minimum Card Guarantee (Year 1): 70 lakh NCMC cards.
• Total Card Scale: Scaling to over 2 crore cards statewide.
• Distribution Points: 3,000 dedicated retail outlets and every MSRTC depot and bus station.

The interoperable RuPay Prepaid Platinum cards facilitate a tap-and-go experience across multiple modes of transport.

National Significance​

Beyond Maharashtra, the architecture developed for this programme has national implications. Given that India operates over 150 state road transport undertakings serving hundreds of crore passenger journeys annually, the model is considered ready for replication across states with concessional public transport needs. The total addressable opportunity from this sector is estimated to run into thousands of crores of rupees.

The programme underscores Eraaya Lifespaces' commitment to building technology platforms that advance public policy and create lasting societal value.

Company Overviews​

Ebix Technologies Limited operates with a 'Phygital' strategy, integrating its physical network with an omni-channel digital platform. Its financial exchange portfolio covers services such as domestic and international money remittance, foreign exchange (Forex), prepaid gift cards, utility payments, and travel services in over 75 countries. Ebix Technology (EbixCash) maintains forex operations at approximately 16 international airports, including Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Chennai, and Kolkata, positioning it as a leader in the international remittance business based on gross transactional value.

Eraaya Lifespaces Limited is a global holding company of Ebix Inc. and its worldwide subsidiaries. Following a strategic transition in 2024, the company diversified from its initial focus in lifestyle and hospitality into a technology-led holding platform serving enterprise and consumer markets globally across 13 countries. Its global operations are segmented across four core business areas: Technology, Payments, Travel, and Emerging Businesses. The Payments segment, for instance, provides technology-enabled financial transaction platforms for diverse geographies.

For tracking, Eraaya Lifespaces Limited is listed with the BSE Scrip Code: 531035 (ISIN: INE432F01032).

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