PhonePe launches ‘On-The-Go’ card for seamless, offline payments for transit

Digital payments platform PhonePe has introduced its ‘RuPay On-The-Go’ Card, a National Common Mobility Card (NCMC), aimed at simplifying public transport payments with offline functionality.

The newly launched card is designed as an all-in-one transit solution, enabling commuters to make quick tap-and-pay transactions across NCMC-enabled services such as metros, buses, trains, tolls and parking systems nationwide. The initiative aligns with India’s ‘One Nation One Card’ vision to create a unified and interoperable payment system for transit.

A key feature of the card is its ability to function without internet connectivity. Based on a prepaid, stored-value model, the balance is held directly on the card’s chip, allowing commuters to complete transactions even in low or no network areas. Users can load up to ₹2000 on the card, with an offline transaction limit capped at ₹500. 

The rollout has begun with the Hyderabad Metro in partnership with L&T Metro Rail (Hyderabad) Limited. Commuters can purchase the card at metro ticket counters after OTP-based mobile verification, with options to top up using UPI, cash or cards.

Although initially launched in Hyderabad, the card is interoperable across NCMC-enabled networks in cities including Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai and Bengaluru. The move marks PhonePe’s entry into the transit payments segment, complementing its existing digital ticketing and recharge services.