Lucknow Metro has extended the deadline for commuters to exchange their existing GoSmart cards for National Common Mobility Cards (NCMC) free of cost until October 16, giving remaining cardholders an additional week to complete the transition.
The facility, which was scheduled to close on October 9, is available at all Lucknow Metro stations, the Uttar Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation (UPMRC) said in a press release. More than 55,000 passengers have already exchanged their GoSmart cards for NCMC cards, according to the corporation.
Existing GoSmart cardholders must first use the remaining balance on their cards before visiting a metro station for the exchange. They can then surrender the used card and collect an NCMC without paying an issuance charge during the extended exchange period.
UPMRC managing director Sushil Kumar said the extension would provide remaining cardholders with more time to shift to the unified mobility card. He urged passengers to use the facility and complete the exchange before the revised deadline.
The NCMC, commonly referred to as “One Nation One Card”, is designed to support payments across multiple forms of urban transport and selected services. In addition to Lucknow Metro, it can be used on participating metro systems, buses, parking facilities and retail outlets, subject to interoperability arrangements between the relevant systems.
For Lucknow Metro users, the NCMC also provides a 10% discount on every journey. The card is intended to combine ticketing and payment functions, allowing users to access participating transport and service networks with a single card where the required systems are connected.
Passengers who do not have an existing GoSmart card can buy a new NCMC at Lucknow Metro stations. New users must pay a non-refundable issuance charge of Rs 100. The cards can be recharged through station kiosks, ticket vending machines, the Airtel app and other compatible channels.
The minimum top-up amount is Rs 100, while the maximum recharge limit is Rs 2,000. The extended exchange window applies specifically to existing GoSmart cardholders who complete the required balance-use and surrender process before collecting their replacement NCMC.
The October 16 deadline is the next stated milestone for the free card exchange facility. Commuters who intend to use the offer must complete the transition at a Lucknow Metro station within the extended period.
