Digital mobility boost: Navi UPI links with ONDC to enable QR tickets in the metro; service live in major cities, more to come – The Times of India

Navi UPI has partnered with the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) to offer QR-based metro tickets through its app, expanding digital access for commuters in Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru. The service allows users to plan routes, book one-way or round-trip QR tickets and make payments within a single interface. According to the company, the integration will then be rolled out to Chennai, Hyderabad and Kochi.The measure aims to streamline ticket sales by reducing the need for separate apps or cash transactions. Rajiv Naresh, MD and CEO of Navi Limited, said the integration aims to provide a fully digital option to metro passengers who often stand in queues and depend on physical tickets.Nitin Nair, senior executive director at ONDC, said the partnership reflects how open networks can support multiple transportation systems through a single integration. He noted that Navi users can now purchase QR tickets across five metro networks through one app.The feature is currently active for Delhi Metro, Mumbai Metro Lines 1, 2A, 7 and 3, and Bengaluru Metro. ONDC said the collaboration is part of its broader mobility initiative to bring transportation services onto interoperable digital networks. Navi UPI plans to expand the service to additional cities and transportation companies over time.India’s urban metro systems serve approximately 1.15 crore daily users, with more than 40% still dependent on cash or physical tickets. Navi UPI said digitizing this routine transaction could help increase the adoption of digital payments.Navi Limited operates a range of financial services including loans, insurance, mutual funds and UPI payments. Established by DPIIT under the Ministry of Trade and Industry, ONDC provides open protocols intended to support interoperable digital commerce across all sectors.