NPCI introduces Janmitra RuPay contactless cards for Ahmedabad smart city

NPCI in association with Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation and ICICI bank has introduced the Janmitra RuPay contactless card for the smart city of Ahmedabad. The cards are designed according to the specifications of the National Common Mobility Card (NCMC). Users can load cash into the card through online banking or by paying cash. The top up points will be available in landmark locations and issuing points. The cards are interoperable, openloop, EMV based contactless payment solutions. Mr. A. P. Hota, MD & CEO, NPCI said, “Launch of RuPay contactless cards are aimed at digitising micropayments rapidly. RuPay’s association with Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC), Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) and Kochi Metro Rail Ltd (KMRL) are big steps towards this direction.” The announcement comes close on the heels of the NPCI launching RuPay contactless cards in **Kochi and Bengaluru** . The cards in Ahmedabad have been introduced in association of ICICI bank, while the cards in Bengaluru and Kochi were launched in association of Axis bank. The same cards can be used to make everyday payments such as retail transactions besides paying the fares in public transport. The card supports both contactless and contact payment options. No further authentication is required for payments below Rs 2,000. NPCI plans to launch many more such projects to expand the RuPay contactless program, with the eventual aim of facilitating “one card for all payments” across the country.