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 is available at all Lucknow Metro stations.
The Uttar Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation (UPMRC) said more than 55,000 passengers had already exchanged their GoSmart cards for NCMC cards. The free exchange facility was originally scheduled to close on October 9.
Existing GoSmart cardholders must first use the balance remaining 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 period.
UPMRC managing director Sushil Kumar said the extension would provide more time to commuters who had not yet completed the switch. He urged passengers to use the facility and move to the unified mobility card system.
The NCMC, also known as “One Nation One Card”, can be used on Lucknow Metro and, subject to interoperability arrangements, on participating metro systems, buses, parking facilities and retail outlets. The card is intended to allow commuters to use a common payment instrument across multiple transport and service networks where compatible systems are available.
Lucknow Metro commuters also receive a 10% discount on every journey made using the NCMC, according to the information released by UPMRC. New users can purchase an NCMC at metro stations by paying 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 free exchange window will remain open until October 16. Commuters who still hold GoSmart cards must exhaust their balance and visit a metro station before the deadline to complete the exchange without paying the new-card issuance charge.
