
42k Maha Card Rides in a Day: Digital Surge Ahead of Metro's Open-Loop Upgrade
The number accounted for 39% of
Nagpur Metro
's daily ridership, which stood at 1.07 lakh that day.
Digital ticketing as a whole also hit a new milestone, with 56% of commuters opting for cashless travel via Maha Cards, QR codes, and mobile apps. Officials said the spike signals a major behavioural shift among daily riders towards faster, more convenient travel.
The Maha Card, a co-branded contactless smart card developed in partnership with State Bank of India, has been the backbone of Nagpur Metro's cashless journey since Phase 1.
Currently, over 1.10 lakh passengers hold active Maha Cards, with an average of two new cards issued daily per station. Commuters benefit from fare concessions of 10% for regular passengers and 30% for students, making it a preferred option.
The latest surge follows Maha Metro's recent promotional drive launched on July 25, offering free Maha Cards with a Rs200 recharge. The campaign has already led to the distribution of more than 1,300 new cards.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
Use an AI Writing Tool That Actually Understands Your Voice
Grammarly
Install Now
Undo
This record comes at a time the Maha Card is set to evolve. As part of Phase 2 of the Nagpur Metro project, Maha Metro is preparing to shift to a Rs154 crore Open Loop Automatic Fare Collection (AFC) system. Unlike the current closed-loop Maha Card, which works only within the Nagpur Metro network, the upcoming system will support National Common Mobility Cards (NCMC).
The NCMC system will allow seamless, interoperable travel across metros, buses, and other public transport systems in India.
EMV-based and bank-issued, these cards will function like debit cards, enabling commuters to use a single card across cities and modes of transport.
Maha Metro has already floated a tender for the supply, installation, and commissioning of the new system, which also includes QR code-based ticketing and a long-term maintenance contract. Importantly, officials said existing AFC gates installed in Phase 1 stations won't require replacement; only a software upgrade will be needed to support the new format.
"Even the existing Maha Cards may continue after the rollout of the NCMC cards. However, the open-loop card system is still in its early stages, so it's too soon to say exactly how it will work out. If possible, we'll integrate the new system by upgrading the existing AFC infrastructure to support both old and new cards. Otherwise, we may have to phase out the old cards and issue new ones to commuters. However, nothing is final at this point, as the entire process is still at a preliminary stage," said a Maha Metro official.
As Maha Card usage peaks, the city's metro commuters are already riding the wave of digital convenience — and the next upgrade promises to take that a step further, far beyond city limits.

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Time of India
20 minutes ago
- Time of India
Retailers bank on discounts, cashbacks & EMIs to drive consumer durable sales this festive season
Pune: Consumer durable brands and retailers are pinning hopes on increased rural demand and discretionary spending during the upcoming festive season, expecting a 12-15% jump in sales of large appliances, gadgets and kitchen essentials, fuelled by discounts and attractive financing options. Wanowrie resident Santosh Sawla, who delayed buying a new fridge and kitchen appliances for a while, said, "With the festive season around the corner and great discounts on offer, I am finally ready to make the purchase." Reshma Gupta, who moved to Pune recently, said she had been eyeing a new TV and sound system since moving to Vimannagar. "But, I was waiting for the festive sales to kick in. Now that the discounts are out, I am excited to make the purchase," she said. You Can Also Check: Pune AQI | Weather in Pune | Bank Holidays in Pune | Public Holidays in Pune Retailers like Vijay Sales are luring customers with up to 60% discounts on consumer durables and electronics, coupled with bank partnerships that offer instant discounts, cashbacks and EMI options. Vijay Sales' MD Nilesh Gupta said, "We are anticipating a 10-12% sales growth during this early festive period, driven by strong demand across all categories and a notable trend towards premium products." Croma is also bullish on sales this festive season, driven by pent-up consumer demand, new product launches and attractive offers. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Dog The Bounty Hunter's Stunning Transformation Reportingly Undo With tier-II and smaller cities showing strong growth, customers are keen to upgrade their devices through exchange offers. A Croma spokesperson said, "We are offering up to 50% discount on electronics and appliances, with standout deals on smartphones, TVs, AI laptops as well as refrigerators, washing machines and kitchen appliances. " Panasonic expects a surge in demand across its product range with the festive season kicking off from Onam. Fumiyasu Fujimori, MD of Panasonic Marketing India, said, "Smart, connected and energy-efficient appliances are in high demand, with inverter ACs dominating our sales and smart ACs accounting for nearly 45% of that segment. To drive sales, we will be offering attractive financing options, extended warranties and cashbacks across categories, making premium appliances more accessible to customers. " "While the year began on a tepid note, the market has now picked up. We are expecting good sales this festive season. There is a drive towards premium products, and we are seeing good demand for 55-inch TVs," Devita Saraf, chairperson, Vu Televisions, said. Eureka Forbes expects this Independence Day to mark the start of a strong festive cycle, especially in the home and wellness segment. "To make festive upgrades more accessible, we've launched a range of attractive offers this Independence Day, including up to 25% discount on select water and air purifiers, no-cost EMIs and easy financing options across categories. We are also offering cashback benefits on purchases through select cards and wallets," Anurag Kumar, chief growth officer, Eureka Forbes, said. Kamal Nandi, business head and EVP at appliances business of Godrej Enterprises Group, said, "We have an extensive product line-up with advanced technologies powered by AI and design-led innovations this festive season. Offers include attractive cashbacks running up to Rs 12,000 and extended warranties going up to 5 years. We are also offering comprehensive warranty on AC, front load washing machines and deep freezers. "


Time of India
21 minutes ago
- Time of India
IIM Vizag organises Vani Row memorial lecture
1 2 Visakhapatnam : The Indian Institute of Management Visakhapatnam (IIMV) organised Vani Row memorial lecture on the birth anniversary of the noted investment banker on Wednesday. Held annually on Aug 6, the event celebrates her remarkable life, legacy, and contributions, continuing to inspire future leaders. A native of Visakhapatnam and a distinguished alumna of IIM Ahmedabad, Vani Row was a globally respected consultant and investment banker who left an indelible mark in both India and the United States before her untimely demise. The chief guest, Uma Sudhindra, member of the board of governors at IIMV, delivered the keynote address. Drawing from more than three decades of people-focused professional experience, she offered insights on personal branding as a strategy, emphasising the core principles of clarity, consistency, credibility, and visibility. IIMV dean (administration) prof Kaveri Krishnan and IIM Vizag director Prof M Chandrasekhar reflected on the establishment of the Vani Row Memorial Incubation Centre, inaugurated on the same occasion in 2024. The Centre, made possible through a generous endowment by Dr. B R L Row, father of Vani Row, currently supports over 180 startups, many of them led by women entrepreneurs, carrying forward Vani Row's vision of empowerment. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Switch to UnionBank Rewards Card UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo A particularly moving segment featured reflections from recipients of the Vani Row memorial gold medal, awarded each year to the top performing woman student of the MBA programme. Medalists from 2020 to 2025 shared personal accounts of how receiving the award shaped their journeys. In his address, Dr. B R L Row, a distinguished scientist, philanthropist, and father of Vani Row, shared how deeply touched he was by the medallists' reflections. He recalled that when his daughter aspired to join an IIM, opportunities and encouragement for women in business education were scarce. Yet, she moved forward with courage and clarity. He added that seeing so many inspired by her legacy brings him immense happiness. Dean (academics) Prof Vijaya Bhaskar Marisetty said that Vani Row is a living legacy that continues to inspire and empower. Faculty, staff, students, and members of the IIMV community were present at the programme.


Time of India
35 minutes ago
- Time of India
Finland-based thinktank exposes US double standard
NEW DELHI: European Union countries account for 23% of Russia's revenues from fossil fuel exports against India's 13% since the beginning of the Ukraine conflict, while G7+ tankers are currently transporting more than half of those barrels, data published by CREA (Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air) shows. Indian govt sources here said this further spotlighted Western hypocrisy in targeting India for securing its energy interests, while ignoring similar action by other countries. European Union has been procuring not just energy but also fertilizers, chemicals, iron, steel and transport equipment from Russia. "These figures only vindicate India's emphasis on ensuring for its citizens regular and affordable energy supplies," said a source on condition of anonymity. Seen in the backdrop of the US on Wednesday doubling tariff on India to 50% for "fuelling the Russian war machine" by buying its oil and last month's EU sanction on Indian refining entity Nayara Energy, the Finland-based independent think-tank's latest report exposes what New Delhi describes as West's "double standard" in singling out India. The report says Moscow has raked in EUR 923 billion (92,300 crore) so far from fossil fuel exports such as oil, natural gas, coal, refined fuels and intermediaries. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like No annual fees for life UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo Of this, EUR 212 billion (21,200 crore) came from EU countries compared with EUR 121 billion (12,100 crore) from India. China remained the top bu-yer of Russian energy with a tab of over EUR 200 billion (20,000 crore). The report points out the growing role of G7 tankers in transporting Russian oil since the EU's June sanctions. This underlines the disconnect between western policy and practice pointed out by New Delhi. "Since Jan, the G7+ share in Russian oil transport has increased from 36% to 56%," it says. More than half of Russian seaborne oil exports were transported in G7+ tankers in June, reflecting a six percentage point increase over May. Use of western tanker fleet means those shipments were compliant with the price cap and other terms of the sanctions. India argues it has helped prevent a flare-up in oil prices by buying Russian oil, accounting for about 9% of daily global supply. That is also the key consideration that led the US and the EU to opt for a price cap - rather than choking off the flow with sanctions - for curbing funding for Moscow's war efforts without spooking the oil markets. Overall, however, the report does say that "Russian fossil fuel revenues in second quarter of 2025 dropped by 18% year-on-year - lowest in a quarter since the invasion of Ukraine. This occurred despite an 8% increase in volumes exported in Q2 compared to Q1 of 2025."