‘Trip Pass’ Launched for Namo Bharat Trains; No More Hassle of Frequent Recharges

NCRTC has brought significant relief to daily commuters on the Namo Bharat train. A ‘Trip Pass’ has been launched for the service, freeing passengers from the inconvenience of frequent recharges.

Commuting has become even easier for passengers who travel daily on the same route via Namo Bharat. NCRTC has introduced the ‘Trip Pass’ facility for NCMC users, allowing them to pre-pay for multiple journeys based on their requirements. This eliminates the need to purchase a ticket or recharge the card before every single trip.

Approximately 1.1 lakh passengers travel on Namo Bharat trains daily. A large number of these are commuters with fixed daily travel routines—traveling between specific stations and returning along the same route. The Trip Pass system has been introduced specifically with such passengers in mind.

Can be used multiple times a day

The Trip Pass is loaded onto the NCMC card. Once the desired number of trips is purchased, one trip is automatically deducted each time the passenger travels between the designated origin and destination stations. It can be used multiple times in a single day, provided the travel takes place between the specific stations for which the pass was purchased.

For instance, a passenger commuting regularly between Sarai Kale Khan and Modipuram can purchase multiple trips in advance according to their needs. The direct benefit for daily commuters—traveling in the morning and evening—is that they will not waste time buying tickets or recharging cards during peak hours.

The fare for the Namo Bharat standard coach between Sarai Kale Khan and Modipuram is ₹210, while the premium coach fare is ₹250. A maximum balance of ₹2,000 can be maintained in the NCMC card’s global wallet. In such a scenario, the wallet of a regular commuter on this route could be depleted within just a few days.

A trip pass can eliminate the need for frequent recharges. Commuters can pay for multiple trips in advance, making it easier to track daily expenses. However, a key rule regarding the pass is that it cannot be used between just any two stations of one’s choice.

Pass won’t work if alighting at a different station or traveling further

The trip pass remains valid only between the specific origin and destination stations for which it was purchased. If a commuter travels to a different station, the standard fare for that journey will be deducted from the NCMC card’s global wallet. For instance, if a commuter has purchased a pass from Sarai Kale Khan to Begumpul but alights at Shatabdi Nagar or an earlier station, the fare for that shorter journey will be charged to the global wallet.

This requires the card to have a sufficient balance. Similarly, if traveling beyond Begumpul, the fare for the additional distance will also be deducted from the global wallet. If there are insufficient funds, the card must be recharged before exiting the station. In essence, the trip pass benefits apply only to the designated route; if the route changes, the standard fare applies instead of the pass.

Options ranging from 1 to 40 trips

Commuters can choose from passes covering 1, 2, 5, 10, 15, 20, or 40 trips, depending on their needs and frequency of travel. A 1-trip pass is valid for 15 days and is non-refundable, while passes for 2, 5, and 10 trips have a validity of 30 days and are also non-refundable. Passes for 15 and 20 trips remain valid for 60 days, whereas the 40-trip pass is valid for 90 days. Trip passes for 15, 20, and 40 trips are eligible for a refund, subject to a fixed administrative fee of ₹200. These options are available to passengers traveling in both standard and premium coaches.

Where can the trip pass be obtained?

Trip passes can be purchased at EFOs or at counters typically located near AFC gates. For subsequent journeys, the pass can be topped up at EFOs as well as at Ticket Vending Machines (TVMs) available at Namo Bharat stations. This system aims to alleviate the daily commuting hassles faced by individuals who travel along the same route regularly. It is suitable for school and college students, working professionals, businesspeople, and other regular commuters.

Benefits of a 10% discount and loyalty points

Additionally, Namo Bharat passengers can avail a 10% discount on every trip. One loyalty point is earned for every ₹1 spent on Namo Bharat services using an NCMC card. Each loyalty point is valued at ₹0.10. Upon accumulating 300 points, they can be redeemed for a free trip.