Published on
January 14, 2026
Karnataka has introduced a major innovation in public transport with the launch of mobile QR-based passes for Namma Metro, offering commuters a more affordable and convenient way to travel. The new passes, available for unlimited travel over one, three, or five days, provide a fully contactless experience, eliminating the need for physical smart cards and security deposits. By using the Namma Metro app, passengers can easily purchase and access their tickets digitally, streamlining the travel process and enhancing the overall commuter experience. This initiative is designed to make metro travel more accessible, cost-effective, and hassle-free for everyone.
Karnataka’s Bengaluru Metropolitan Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) has introduced a game-changing development for public transportation. On Tuesday, the company unveiled its new mobile QR-based periodical passes for Namma Metro, aimed at providing commuters with unlimited travel options without the hassle of traditional smart cards. The new service, available from Thursday on the Namma Metro mobile application, promises to revolutionize the way passengers experience metro travel in the city.
Mobile QR Passes: A Convenient and Cost-Effective Option for Commuters
Traditionally, unlimited travel passes for Namma Metro were issued in the form of Contactless Smart Cards (CSC), requiring commuters to pay a refundable security deposit of Rs 50. However, the introduction of mobile QR passes eliminates the need for a physical smart card and deposit payment. Instead, commuters can now enjoy the flexibility of digital tickets that can be easily accessed through their smartphones, allowing for a fully contactless travel experience.
The new mobile QR-based passes offer unlimited travel for durations of one, three, or five days, catering to the diverse needs of commuters in the city. This initiative is part of BMRCL’s ongoing efforts to simplify the ticketing process and enhance the overall passenger experience.
Easy and Quick Purchase Through the Namma Metro App
With the mobile QR pass, the entire process of purchasing and using the pass has been streamlined. Commuters can purchase the passes directly through the Namma Metro app, eliminating the need to wait in long queues for physical card issuance. Once purchased, the pass will be stored digitally on the commuter’s mobile phone. A QR code will be displayed on the phone, which can be scanned at the Automatic Fare Collection (AFC) gates at metro stations to enter and exit.
This method ensures a faster and more efficient process, with passengers no longer needing to worry about losing or misplacing their physical smart cards. The digital nature of the mobile QR pass also enables BMRCL to expand this service to other mobile ticketing platforms in the near future, further enhancing its accessibility and reach.
Cost Savings Across the Board
In terms of pricing, the mobile QR-based passes offer a more economical alternative to the traditional smart card passes. A one-day unlimited travel pass is now priced at Rs 250, which is significantly cheaper than the previous Rs 300 charge for the smart card option, including the security deposit. The three-day and five-day passes are priced at Rs 550 and Rs 850, respectively, making the mobile QR option more affordable across all categories.
This move aligns with BMRCL’s commitment to reducing the financial burden on commuters while promoting a smoother, more convenient travel experience. By switching to mobile QR-based passes, commuters can save time and avoid the inconvenience of card issuance and refund processes.
A Fully Contactless Travel Experience
The primary advantage of the mobile QR pass is its ability to offer a completely contactless travel experience. As passengers scan the QR code on their phones at the AFC gates, there is no physical interaction required, which aligns with global trends toward reducing touchpoints in public transport systems. This development is not only timely, given the ongoing global health concerns, but it also adds an extra layer of convenience for commuters who are increasingly seeking seamless and efficient travel solutions.
BMRCL has also emphasized the importance of this shift toward digitalization, noting that the transition to mobile-based tickets will further streamline operations and contribute to the ongoing modernization of Bengaluru’s public transportation system. Commuters can now focus more on their daily journeys and less on the complexities of ticketing.
Future Expansion Plans
The introduction of mobile QR-based passes is just the beginning. BMRCL plans to extend this facility to other mobile ticketing platforms soon, providing even more options for passengers. As Bengaluru continues to grow and attract more visitors, these digital solutions will play a key role in making the city’s metro network more accessible, efficient, and future-ready.
With its commitment to enhancing the commuter experience, BMRCL is setting new benchmarks for urban mobility in India. The mobile QR pass initiative is a step toward creating a more connected and sustainable transportation system that aligns with the needs of modern urban commuters.
Karnataka has introduced mobile QR passes for Namma Metro, offering affordable, contactless travel for one, three, and five days. This innovation simplifies the commuter experience by eliminating the need for physical smart cards and security deposits, making metro travel more convenient and cost-effective.
As the city embraces this digital shift, commuters are encouraged to make the most of the new mobile QR-based passes, which promise to make their metro journeys smoother, quicker, and more affordable than ever before.
