Image Source: NDTV
One MobiKwik Systems Limited, through its subsidiary Zaakpay, has taken a significant leap forward in digitizing public transportation in Odisha by partnering with the Capital Region Urban Transport (CRUT) and the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC). This collaboration aims to revolutionize bus ticketing services by introducing a chat-based digital ticketing platform, thereby enhancing commuter convenience and streamlining the ticket purchasing process. The initiative is already live in nine cities across Odisha, including Bhubaneswar and Cuttack, tapping into a user base estimated at 24 million commuters annually. This development marks a key milestone in the state's push towards smart urban mobility.
Key Highlights of the Partnership and Service Launch
Zaakpay, the payments subsidiary of One MobiKwik Systems, has joined forces with CRUT and ONDC to digitalize bus ticketing transactions in Odisha.
The new chat-based platform simplifies the bus ticket booking process by allowing commuters to purchase tickets via chat interfaces.
The service currently operates in nine cities, targeting an estimated 24 million daily commuters with an annual transaction volume potential of 36 million rides.
This initiative integrates CRUT’s existing bus services into the ONDC framework, enabling seamless interoperability and expanding ticket purchase options through any ONDC-compliant app.
Bhubaneswar, Sambalpur, Rourkela, and Berhampur are key urban centers where this digitized ticketing service has been implemented, along with Cuttack among others.
The platform contributes to the government’s vision of promoting digital inclusivity and improving urban transport efficiency.
Comprehensive Overview of the Initiative
Transforming Urban Mobility with Digital Solutions
The partnership underscores Odisha's commitment to leveraging technology to improve public transport accessibility and service quality. By embedding the ticketing service within ONDC’s open network, CRUT is breaking barriers of exclusivity commonly associated with transport ticketing apps. This digital transformation is designed to enable passengers to book tickets effortlessly on multiple platforms rather than being confined to a single mobile application.
Chat-Based Booking Experience
One of the standout features of this service is the chat-based ticketing experience fueled by Zaakpay’s technology. Commuters can book bus tickets simply by interacting with a chat interface, making the process intuitive and quick. The integration with ONDC further enhances usability by allowing interoperability with various buyer apps, including the widely used Chalo app.
Expansion and Reach
The launch spans nine urban locations, with a broader plan to scale further. Given Odisha’s dense population and the high volume of daily bus commuters, the digitized system is poised to modernize ticketing across the state. It represents a step towards the government’s larger goal of smart city frameworks that use digital infrastructure for sustainable urban transport.
Government and Stakeholder Support
The initiative enjoys strong backing from key officials such as Usha Padhee, Principal Secretary of Odisha’s Housing and Urban Development Department, who highlighted the importance of ONDC as a revolutionary platform supporting efficient mobility. ONDC’s CEO T. Koshy emphasized that this integration brings multi-modal and last-mile connectivity to consumers on a unified interface.
Economic and Market Impact
The announcement coincided with a notable surge in One MobiKwik’s stock price, which recently jumped 36% over three days, attributed in part to the confidence inspired by this new business initiative. The company’s strategic move into urban mobility services signals diversification beyond its core fintech role, potentially driving growth and investor interest.
Additional Notes on CRUT and ONDC Collaboration
CRUT joining ONDC allows its ticketing service to be accessed beyond the proprietary Mo Bus app, democratizing access.
Passengers can now use any ONDC-compliant app to buy tickets, thus expanding flexibility and convenience.
The first ticket sale on the ONDC integrated platform was officially marked by officials from CRUT, ONDC, and the Housing and Urban Development department.
Conclusion
The collaborative effort between One MobiKwik’s Zaakpay, CRUT, and ONDC sets a new benchmark in urban transport digitization in Odisha. By enabling chat-based, interoperable ticketing service accessible across multiple platforms, it enhances commuter convenience, broadens digital reach, and supports the state’s vision of smart mobility. This initiative illustrates how innovative fintech solutions can play a pivotal role in public infrastructure modernization and offers a blueprint for other regions looking to embrace digital transformation in public transport.
Source: BusinessUpturn, ScanX, IndianStartupNews
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