ONDC Expands Mobility Offering, Forays Into Mass Transit Segment Via Chennai Metro

Government-backed Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) has expanded its mobility offerings with entry into the mass transit segment. The network has partnered with Chennai Metro to launch its ‘Metro Rail’ service.

With this, customers can purchase single journey and return journey tickets for the Chennai Metro through the apps registered with ONDC – Rapido, Namma Yatri, and redBus – starting February 2. 

ONDC also said that Google Maps and PhonePe will also soon offer metro ticketing service. 

“Furthermore, ONDC buyer apps will immediately also be able to offer metro ticketing for any Metro going live on the ONDC Network. The overall ticketing experience on ONDC Network was enabled by Chennai Metro partnering with Yaary, the first seller side technology partner for metros to go live on the ONDC network,” the network said in a statement.

Yarry, a ride hailing app built on the ONDC protocols, was launched on the network in December to take on the likes of Ola and Uber.  

ONDC added that similar services will also be launched soon for other Metros like Kochi, Kanpur, and Pune. 

Commenting on the development, ONDC CEO T Koshy said, “As Chennai Metro joins the open network, it is not just a milestone but rather a bold stride towards revolutionising mass transit. This isn’t merely about ticketing, it’s about unlocking the full spectrum of possibilities for commuters. From multimodal integration to a seamless blend of ancillary services, ONDC is all set to redefine mobility.”

ONDC, a private non-profit platform backed by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), aims to democratise ecommerce in the country. It has been constantly adding new offerings and partners to expand its net. 

Recently, auto-hailing app on ONDC, Namma Yatri entered the Chennai market days after its entry in the Delhi market.

The footprint of the network is rapidly expanding across the country. In December, Minister of State (MoS) for Commerce and Industry Som Parkash said that the ONDC network was live in 500 towns and cities across the country.

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