Bengaluru’s Namma Metro smartcard validity extended to 10 years

The validity of the Namma Metro 'Varshik' smart card has been extended to 10 years. The 10-year validity period eradicates the need to pay reactivation charges.

Bengaluru: The Bengaluru Metro Rail Corporation Limited has extended the validity of the Namma Metro ‘Varshika’ smart card to 10 years.

The new rule removes the existing provision that allowed the card to be valid for one year from the date of the last recharge.

The BMRCL has said that it is removing the existing stipulation for the convenience of commuters who needed to reactivate the card after one year paying 20 rupees.

It is reported that the corporation had been receiving complaints from commuters who were unable to recharge the card without reactivating it at the counter.

Commuters were also severely inconvenienced by the limited transactions allowed at the counter as per the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) which is why the BMRCL decided to extend the validity of the smart card.

The 10-year validity period of the smart card removes the need to pay reactivation charges, the release stated.

However, the recent rule directing the use of the card within seven days of top-up will remain the same. The recharge amount will lapse in seven days if the card is not used, though the card itself will remain valid.