Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) has announced that it has integrated with the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC), an initiative of the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry. This makes Chennai Metro Rail the first metro service in India to be available on the ONDC Network, which aims to democratize e-commerce by creating an open, interoperable and inclusive platform for digital transactions.
According to a statement by CMRL on February 2, 2024, passengers can now purchase single journey and return journey tickets for the Chennai Metro through various buyer apps on the ONDC Network, such as Rapido, Namma Yatri and RedBus. Additionally, Google Maps and PhonePe will soon offer these services, enhancing customer convenience and choice. ONDC buyer apps will also immediately offer metro ticketing for any metro going live on the ONDC network.
The ONDC Network is expected to make urban transit more accessible for millions of Indian commuters, as it allows them to book their metro ride and first and last mile connectivity from one mobile app, without having to download multiple apps or switch between different platforms. The ONDC Network also ensures data privacy and security for both buyers and sellers, as it does not store any personal or transactional data.
The integration of Chennai Metro Rail with the ONDC Network is a significant step towards achieving the vision of Digital India, as it promotes innovation, competition and consumer welfare in the e-commerce sector. Following Chennai, the metro services in Kochi, Kanpur, Pune and other cities are also poised to join the ONDC Network soon.