Maharashtra extends deadline for mandatory NCMC card on ST buses to September 30
Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation pushes back its NCMC card rule after technical glitches left conductors and passengers struggling with concession tickets.
Millions of women and elderly passengers who travel by ST bus have got some relief. The Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation has extended the deadline for making the NCMC (National Common Mobility Card) mandatory on its buses.
The card was earlier to become compulsory from September 1, 2026, but the deadline has now been pushed to September 30, 2026. The decision comes as a big relief for passengers travelling by ST during the rush of Ganeshotsav.
The Maharashtra government gives a travel concession to elderly passengers aged 65 to 75 and to women, and it had been decided that this benefit would now be given only through the NCMC card. However, passengers faced several difficulties while getting the card made.
Not only that, after the system was rolled out, the server came under such heavy load that both conductors and passengers faced major trouble while issuing concession tickets during travel. The ST Corporation received numerous complaints from passengers over this. Taking these difficulties seriously, the ST Corporation took the important decision to extend the deadline.
According to information given by the ST Corporation, permission has now been granted to issue concession tickets in the earlier manner until September 30. However, it has been made clear that passengers whose NCMC card is already active will have to avail the concession using that card.
The corporation has issued the necessary instructions to all depots in this regard. Passengers who have an NCMC card will be required to use the card to get their ticket. But the ST Corporation has also directed that if the card cannot be read during travel or any other technical problem arises, passengers should be given the concession ticket in the earlier manner to avoid inconvenience.
