Kochi Metro Rail joins ONDC Network, enhancing multimodal mobility experience

Following Chennai Metro, Kochi Metro Rail joins ONDC Network. Customers can purchase their metro tickets currently from Yatri, Paytm, Rapido, redBus and PhonePe apps

Kochi | April 4, 2024: Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) is delighted to announce the addition of Kochi Metro Rail, one of the most reliable and sustainable public transport systems, to its expanding mobility domain. For some time, ONDC was working with KMRL to facilitate the purchase of Kochi Metro tickets using various applications on the ONDC Network, ensuring a seamless and innovative approach to urban mobility. Following the successful integration of Chennai Metro, Kochi Metro Rail now becomes the second metro service to join the ONDC Network, a crucial step in revolutionizing urban transportation.

Starting from April 4th, 2024, commuters can conveniently purchase single journey and return journey tickets for the Kochi Metro through four buyer apps on the ONDC Network: Yatri, Paytm, Rapido, and redBus. Additionally, customers can also book tickets on the PhonePe app. In future, customers will be able to book tickets from Google Maps, Uber and EaseMyTrip among others.

Furthermore, any new buyer app joining the ONDC Network will have immediate access to Kochi Metro’s ticket inventory, enhancing customer choice and convenience.

Chief guest Shri Sanjiv, Joint Secretary and Dr. Bejoy John, Director, Department for Promotion of Industry & Internal Trade (DPIIT), graced the occasion along with other esteemed dignitaries to officially onboard Kochi Metro Rail on the ONDC Network.

Shri Sanjiv, Joint Secretary, Department for Promotion of Industry & Internal Trade (DPIIT), said, “Integration of Kochi Metro Rail with ONDC, is about crafting a future where digital inclusivity makes urban transport not just a journey, but an experience tailored for every citizen. It’s a step forward in our mission to digitize and streamline urban transit, making it more accessible and efficient for everyone.”

Dr. Bejoy John, Director, Department for Promotion of Industry & Internal Trade (DPIIT), said, “This initiative accelerates our vision for a seamless digital ecosystem, directly benefiting commuters and setting a precedent for future urban transport strategies. It’s a prime example of how government-led digital initiatives can transform everyday services for the public, fostering a more inclusive and sustainable urban mobility ecosystem.”

T. Koshy, MD & CEO, ONDC, said, “The integration of Kochi Metro Rail onto the ONDC Network marks a significant milestone in our journey towards revolutionizing urban mobility. By enabling seamless access to multimodal transportation and ancillary services, we are empowering commuters with an unparalleled travel experience. As we move forward, it is exciting to witness newer entities joining the Open Network, ultimately creating an ecosystem wherein everything whether it’s metro tickets, auto booking, cab bookings, grocery shopping etc – all is available in one Open Network.”

Loknath Behera, Managing Director, Kochi Metro Rail Limited, said, “We are thrilled to join the Open Network to enhance the commuting experience of metro travelers. This integration aligns perfectly with our mission to provide seamless, sustainable transportation solutions to the people of Kochi. Now our ticketing services will be available through a diverse range of buyer apps on the ONDC Network, a significant step towards upgrading accessibility and convenience for our valued commuters. We look forward to working closely with ONDC to explore innovative possibilities, including multimodal journeys and ancillary services, to elevate the overall travel experience in our city.”

The inclusion of Kochi Metro Rail on the ONDC Network marks a significant stride towards creating a comprehensive digital multimodal transit system. With the city’s sustainable transportation modes, commuters can enjoy a seamless journey combining various modes of transport, such as First Mile (Auto), Middle Mile (Metro Rail), and Last Mile (Auto), all accessible through the Network.

ONDC Network fosters faster digitization, enabling metros to join as sellers and provide their ticket inventory to buyer apps. Buyer apps with consumer bases joining the ONDC Network, gain access to all metros on the Network with a single integration. This streamlined process not only benefits commuters but also paves the way for further innovation, such as the integration of ancillary services. Users can conveniently purchase food, groceries, and other necessities while on the move, timing their shopping to align with their journey.

Abhay Sharma, Chief Business Officer of Payments at Paytm, said, “We are excited to work with ONDC to introduce QR-based ticketing for Kochi Metro. This initiative underscores our dedication to delivering innovative and user-friendly solutions to millions of travelers. Our goal is to make the travel experience for Kochi Metro passengers smoother and more convenient. As pioneers of QR code payments in India, we view Kochi as a critical market, reflecting our commitment to improving travel convenience in major urban areas.”

Yuvraj Singh Shekhawat, Chief Business Officer – Merchant Business at PhonePe said, “We’re pleased to support the collaboration between ONDC and Kochi Metro, allowing commuters to book their QR tickets digitally. In the Switch section of the PhonePe app, commuters can conveniently book their tickets without the long wait times often associated with ticket booking. This use case marks a significant milestone in our efforts to establish a digital ticketing and payments ecosystem for the transit segment.”

Pavan Guntupalli, Co-founder of Rapido, said, “Rapido has always been at the forefront of innovation in transportation services, and we are thrilled to embark on a transformative journey in Kochi by introducing metro ticket bookings on our app. Our commitment to redefining the commuting experience aligns seamlessly with this exciting integration with the government-backed Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC). By leveraging the extensive reach and reliability of Rapido’s platform, we anticipate that at least 15% of metro tickets in Kochi will be seamlessly purchased through our app. Now, with the integration of metro ticket bookings, we are not just facilitating a transaction; we are enhancing the overall commuting experience for the people of Kochi.”

Prakash Sangam, CEO of redBus commented “We are pleased to support ONDC and Kochi Metro in shaping the future of mobility. ONDC’s dedication to revolutionizing the e-commerce network is aligned with our vision of a digitally empowered India. We are excited to be part of ONDC’s journey as it adds Kochi Metro to its network and sets new standards in consumer convenience and choice. Together, we are creating better first and last-mile travel experiences for Kochi’s citizens.”

Shan M S, Chief Growth Officer, Juspay, said, “Yatri’s vision is to make public transport as convenient as booking a cab. Since 2020, we’re committed to this transformation of making every journey in Kochi part of the Open Network. We’re proud to be at the forefront of urban mobility in Kochi, integrating first and last-mile connectivity with Kochi Metro through ONDC. With over 10,000 Yatri drivers, customers can now seamlessly book autos, cabs, and metro tickets all in one place. This is a major step towards India’s vision of creating an efficient, sustainable, and community-centered urban mobility ecosystem.”

Mr. Rikant Pittie, Co-founder of EaseMyTrip, expressed, “The integration of EaseMyTrip onto the ONDC Network, alongside Kochi Metro, is a transformative step towards enhancing travel accessibility and convenience. By seamlessly connecting travellers to a diverse range of transportation options and ancillary services, we’re revolutionizing the travel landscape. Working with ONDC reflects our dedication to providing hassle-free travel solutions and improving accessibility for travelers nationwide. This initiative signifies a major advancement towards a unified digital ecosystem for travel, simplifying the journey and enhancing overall experiences. By aligning with ONDC’s mission to standardize and streamline the digital commerce ecosystem, we’re promoting interoperability, transparency, and fair competition, driving innovation and better services for all stakeholders. This reinforces our steadfast commitment to delivering seamless travel booking solutions.”