With the government’s recent directive to banks, the National Common Mobility Card (NCMC), equipped with contactless or near-field function abilities, is set to become a default option for all new cards, including those reissued, media reported. But what exactly is the NCMC card? Let’s explore its safety and other features in detail.
What Is NCMC Card?
The NCMC is an interoperable transport card that aims to provide seamless and hassle-free travel across various modes of public transport, such as buses, metros, trains, and even parking facilities. NCMC is an initiative of the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs in India designed to promote cashless transactions and offer a unified payment platform for commuters. It was launched on March 4, 2019.
Its Purpose
The NCMC card aims to offer a unified contactless transport solution through the RuPay platform, developed by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI). Issued in various forms - prepaid, debit, or credit RuPay cards- the NCMC project has gained traction, with 25 banks participating, including the State Bank of India, Punjab National Bank, and Paytm Payments Bank. Additionally, global payment giants Mastercard and Visa have expressed interest in collaborating, allowing their branded NCMCs to be issued through partner banks.
Why Is It Important?
The NCMC holds significant value as it contributes to automating and digitising fare collection through Automatic Fare Collection Systems (AFCs). Beyond facilitating seamless transport payments, the project is pivotal in driving overall digitalisation efforts, fostering smart city development, and unifying various transit operators on a single platform for passenger convenience. By ensuring widespread accessibility across cities, the government aspires to promote public transport usage among residents. The concept of the card was initially proposed by the Deepening of Digital Payments (CDDP) committee, established by the Reserve Bank of India and chaired by Nandan Nilekani, the co-founder of Infosys.
Safety Features Of NCMC:
Contactless Technology: The NCMC card operates on contactless or near-field communication (NFC) technology, allowing users to make transactions by tapping the card on a compatible reader. This eliminates the need to physically insert the card into a machine, reducing the risk of card skimming and fraud.
Secure Encryption: NCMC cards are embedded with secure encryption to protect the user's personal and financial information. The card data is stored in a secure chip, making it challenging for unauthorised individuals to access or tamper with the card's sensitive data.
Two-Factor Authentication: To ensure enhanced security, NCMC transactions may require two-factor authentication, such as a PIN or biometric verification, depending on the issuer's policies. This adds an extra layer of protection against unauthorised use.
Lost Card Protection: In case of a lost or stolen NCMC card, users can report the incident to their respective bank or card issuer. Most banks have a robust customer service system to handle such situations promptly and prevent misuse.
Other Features And Benefits Of NCMC:
Interoperability: One of the key advantages of the NCMC card is its interoperability, which means it can be used across different modes of transport and even at certain retail outlets. This convenience makes it a versatile card for frequent travellers and commuters.
Cashless Convenience: NCMC promotes cashless transactions, reducing the need to carry physical cash and facilitating quicker and more efficient payment methods.
Easy Recharge: NCMC cards can be easily recharged online, through mobile applications, or at authorised outlets, making it convenient for users to top up their cards as needed.
Travel Discounts: Some transport authorities may offer travel discounts or incentives for using the NCMC card, making it cost-effective for regular commuters.
