BJP Rajya Sabha MP Surendra Singh Nagar has urged the Central Government to implement a “One Nation, One Digital Metro Card” for metro systems throughout India. He argued that such a unified, account-based digital ticketing system would enhance the convenience of metro travel while promoting environmental sustainability and reducing costs. Nagar presented this proposal during the Zero Hour in the Rajya Sabha.

While addressing the assembly, Nagar highlighted the growth of India’s metro network, stating that it ranks as the third-largest globally, with nearly 1,090 km of operational metro lines in around 24 cities, supplemented by similar lengths under construction. He noted that the Union Budget for 2026-27 has allocated Rs 28,740 crore for metro initiatives, the highest allocation to date, and termed this an essential progression in the country’s urban transport sector.

However, the MP pointed out the challenges faced by commuters, as each metro city operates its own distinct smart card system. He explained that a metro card from Delhi is ineffective in Bengaluru, and vice versa, necessitating different cards, separate balances, and varying operational systems in each city.

Proposed Features of the National Digital Card

Nagar proposed the development of a national digital metro card connected to a commuter’s mobile number instead of relying on physical cards. Under this system, passengers would have the capability to utilise the same digital balance across all metro networks in the country. He suggested that instead of continuing to issue different plastic cards in every city, commuters should be able to manage their balance through a single interoperable digital account.

The MP raised concerns about the environmental impact associated with current metro smart cards, which are usually made of about 5 grams of PVC plastic and contain embedded chips and antennas, making them difficult to recycle. He stated that such plastic can persist in the environment for centuries, with their production contributing to carbon emissions. Given the advancements in digital payment technologies, he questioned the necessity of continuing the practice of issuing millions of plastic metro cards.

Another significant issue Nagar emphasised was the safety of funds stored within metro smart cards. He highlighted that passengers frequently lose the balance on their cards when lost, damaged, or expired. In many metro systems, recovering the deposited amount is often not straightforward. He compared this with banking systems, asserting that just as funds are secure in bank accounts even when a debit card is lost, a similar account-based framework should bein place for metro ticketing, ensuring commuters’ balances remain protected irrespective of the physical card.

Benefits of Transitioning to a Digital System

Nagar noted that metro corporations incur considerable expenses annually on the production, distribution, and replacement of smart cards, as well as on the operation of recharge infrastructure and cash transactions. He posited that transitioning to a digital account-based ticketing system would significantly lower these operational costs. The MP also pointed out that existing smart card discounts primarily benefit commuters who maintain minimum balances or security deposits.

In contrast, he argued that a digital account-based system would permit students, daily wage workers, and regular commuters to avail themselves of similar benefits without the necessity of maintaining substantial prepaid balances. Nagar called upon the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs to implement three essential measures to facilitate this transition.

These measures include developing a national interoperable digital metro card that functions across all metro networks, enabling the gradual adoption of QR-based and account-based ticketing, and securing the stored money for commuters, ensuring it is fully portable and retrievable. Concluding his remarks, Nagar stated that India has already showcased its global leadership in digital payments through UPI, and it is time to extend similar infrastructure to urban public transportation, resulting in less plastic, lower costs, and enhanced safety for all passengers.

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