Passengers can now exchange Go Smart Cards for NCMC cards free of cost till 2 October 2026
Lucknow: Uttar Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation (UPMRC) has extended the deadline for exchanging existing Go Smart Cards with National Common Mobility Cards (NCMC). The facility, which was earlier available till September 17, 2026, will now remain open till October 2, 2026.
Under this facility, existing Go Smart Card holders of Lucknow Metro can exchange their old cards for NCMC cards without paying any additional fee. The extension will provide passengers with additional time to complete the exchange process.
The process has been kept simple and convenient. Passengers are advised to first utilise the balance available on their existing GoSmart Card. Once the balance has been exhausted, they can surrender the GoSmart Card at the metro station and receive their new NCMC card free of cost during the extended window.
One Nation One Card for Lucknow Metro Passengers
The NCMC, popularly known as “One Nation One Card”, is an interoperable mobility card that allows passengers to use a single card across multiple participating transport and payment services.
With the transition to NCMC, the existing range of Lucknow Metro cards, including GoSmart Cards, Tourist Cards and Super Saver Cards, will be discontinued. The NCMC is an ‘All You Need’ Card and will become the primary mobility card for Lucknow Metro passengers.
The card provides passengers with a convenient and cashless way to travel on Lucknow Metro. It can also be used, wherever NCMC interoperability is available, across other participating metro systems, buses, parking facilities and retail outlets.
Key benefits of NCMC
The NCMC offers several benefits to passengers:
• 10% discount on every journey on Lucknow Metro
• One card for travel across participating metro systems
• Can be used in participating buses, parking facilities and retail outlets
• Eliminates the need to purchase a separate ticket for every metro journey
• Enables convenient and cashless travel
• Reduces the need to carry multiple mobility cards
• Supports the national vision of integrated and seamless public transport
NCMC cards issued by participating banks and other metro systems can also be used on Lucknow Metro, subject to NCMC interoperability.
How existing GoSmart Card holders can exchange their cards
The exchange process is simple:
Step 1: Use the remaining balance in your existing GoSmart Card.
Step 2: Visit any Lucknow Metro station during the extended period.
Step 3: Surrender your existing GoSmart Card.
Step 4: Receive your NCMC card free of cost.
Passengers are encouraged to make use of this special exchange window and transition to NCMC at the earliest.
NCMC for new users
Passengers who do not currently hold a GoSmart Card can also purchase a new NCMC at Lucknow Metro stations.
For new users, the card issuance charge is ₹100, which is non-refundable.
NCMC cards are available through the designated Airtel Payments Bank counters and kiosks at Lucknow Metro stations. The card issuance process has been designed to be simple and convenient, including OTP-based verification through the passenger’s mobile phone.
Easy recharge and top-up facility
Passengers can recharge their NCMC through:
• Airtel Payments Bank kiosks at metro stations
• Ticket Vending Machines
• Airtel App
• Other available NCMC-compatible recharge channels
The minimum top-up amount is ₹100 and the maximum is ₹2,000.
Towards a simpler and smarter travel experience
UPMRC had launched the National Common Mobility Card for Lucknow Metro on July 15, 2026, marking an important step towards integrated and digitally enabled urban mobility in the city.
With the opening of the GoSmart to NCMC exchange window, Lucknow Metro is now moving towards a single, unified mobility card ecosystem. Passengers will no longer need to maintain multiple metro-specific cards for different travel requirements.
Lucknow Metro has already enabled digital payment facilities through debit cards, credit cards and UPI at ticket counters and Ticket Vending Machines. The introduction and subsequent expansion of NCMC further strengthens UPMRC’s commitment towards convenient, contactless and passenger-centric mobility.
The extended exchange window, available across all Lucknow Metro stations, provides existing GoSmart Card holders an easy opportunity to make the transition to NCMC at no additional cost.
UPMRC Managing Director Shri Sushil Kumar said, “With the National Common Mobility Card, we are taking another step towards making everyday travel simpler and more connected for the people of Lucknow. The idea is to move from multiple cards to one interoperable card that can serve multiple mobility needs. We are therefore providing existing GoSmart Card holders get with one more opportunity to exchange their cards for NCMC completely free of cost. I appeal to all our GoSmart Card users to make use of this facility and join us in this transition towards a smarter and more seamless public transport experience.”
