In a landmark move, Delhi Metro has joined the ONDC network, becoming the first major urban transit system in India to provide ticketing across 10+ popular apps including Google Maps, Rapido, and Redbus. This initiation marks a key step towards commuter convenience, digital inclusivity, and efficient urban mobility.
Introduction:
In a crucial leap toward accelerating digital convenience in public transport, the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has successfully linked its ticketing system with the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC). This move positions DMRC as the first large-scale urban transit system in India to go live on the ONDC Network.
After a successful soft launch in November 2024, DMRC’s metro ticketing services are now available for over 10 widely used consumer platforms, eradicating the need for a separate, dedicated metro app. This integration brings DMRC into the regular digital routine of millions of urban commuters.
Booking Made Easier Than Ever Before:
Through this initiative, commuters can now easily book Delhi Metro tickets directly from apps they already use for travel and commuting. Some of these apps are:
- Google Maps
- Rapido
- Redbus
- EaseMyTrip
- Chartr
- NammaYatri
- Tummoc
- OneTicket
- Yatri Railways
- Miles & Kilometres (Telegram Bot)
- Highway Delite
These platforms now serve as unified gateways to plan multimodal travel within and across cities, minimising digital fragmentation and enhancing accessibility.
How the Integration Works:
The system was made possible through SequelString AI (SAI), the Technology Service Provider (TSP) responsible for the integration. With single-point onboarding, DMRC can now publish ticketing data and services on the ONDC network, which apps can then pull in real time—without any one-to-one custom development.
The result: DMRC’s digital ticketing service is available across multiple platforms with low latency and more reach.
Benefits to Daily Commuters and Intercity Travelers:
For commuters, this offers a truly hassle-free journey. Whether planning travel within Delhi or arriving from another city, travelers can now integrate metro ticketing into a single journey plan:
- A passenger arriving from Jaipur can use Redbus to book both the interstate bus and metro tickets in a single time.
- A Delhiite using Rapido can book a bike taxi to the metro station, buy a metro ticket, and plan the last-minute ride—all within the same app.
This interconnected experience reduces the common friction points of switching apps, long queues, or manual ticket buying.
Redefining Public Digital Infrastructure:
This collaboration is not just a tech upgrade—it’s part of a nationwide vision to build open, easy digital infrastructure. ONDC, originally conceptualized to democratize e-commerce, is now proving its capability in transforming urban transit systems.
DMRC’s participation shows a shift from isolated digital services to fully integrated public service ecosystems, where booking a metro ticket becomes as easy as checking directions or ordering a cab.
Setting the Stage for Nationwide Replication:
Delhi Metro’s success in ONDC integration could set the record for replication across other Indian metro systems. As urban centers become more digitally connected, a single national mobility platform—powered by ONDC—could change how people travel their cities.
Insights:
Mr. Vikas Kumar, Managing Director, DMRC said, “This partnership with ONDC is part of our effort to simplify metro travel and bring it into the digital spaces people already use every day. By offering ticketing through multiple familiar apps, we are removing the friction that often comes with transit access.”
Vibhor Jain, Acting CEO and COO at ONDC said, ”The integration of DMRC into the ONDC Network illustrates how open digital ecosystems can enable broader, more seamless access to public services. By connecting once to the Network, DMRC can now offer ticketing across a range of everyday apps without needing custom integrations for each one.”
Conclusion:
DMRC’s onboarding to ONDC marks a significant moment in public transport digitalization. By making metro ticketing accessible into widely used platforms, Delhi Metro is accelerating commuter convenience. This initiative not only eases travel but also sets a bold precedent for building inclusive, tech-enabled urban mobility across India.
Source: DMRC – Press Release | Images Credit: DMRC
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