In a significant move, the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) is set to phase out the Janmitra Smart Card, a cashless payment initiative launched with much fanfare in 2018. This decision comes as the civic body prepares to introduce a new, comprehensive single-ticket system for all modes of public transport within the city.
The Rise and Fall of a Smart City Project
The Janmitra Card was a cornerstone project under the national Smart City Mission, introduced with an ambitious vision. It was designed as a prepaid, multi-purpose card allowing citizens to make cashless payments for a range of municipal services. A primary function was to facilitate travel on AMC-run bus services, specifically the Ahmedabad Municipal Transport Service (AMTS) and the Bus Rapid Transit System (BRTS).
The project, valued at a staggering Rs 87 crore, aimed to distribute 4.5 lakh cards to residents. AMC partnered with a private bank to handle the implementation. However, the initiative struggled to find acceptance among Ahmedabad's commuters from the very beginning.
Why the Janmitra Card Failed to Connect
Officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity, confirmed that the costly project is now being "binned." The core reason for its failure was simple: lack of public adoption. Citizens, already accustomed to using their personal debit and credit cards for daily transactions, saw little incentive to load money onto a separate card solely for civic services and bus rides.
In a desperate attempt to boost usage, the AMC announced a controversial policy in 2018. It declared that starting September 1 of that year, cash would no longer be accepted for BRTS tickets. The rule mandated that passengers could only board these buses using the Janmitra Card.
This move sparked immediate and intense backlash, leading to a week-long political controversy. Disagreements flared between elected councillors and municipal officials, creating significant administrative friction. The pressure mounted so quickly that the then Municipal Commissioner was forced to roll back the cash-ban decision, dealing a major blow to the card's promotion strategy.
Last Perk: The Disappearing Free Wi-Fi
Another push to promote the card involved offering exclusive benefits. The AMC announced that holders of the Janmitra Smart Card would get free access to Wi-Fi at over 150 public locations across Ahmedabad, including all BRTS stations. While Wi-Fi services are still operational at some bus stands today, they remain accessible only to those with the smart card.
With the discontinuation of the card, this free Wi-Fi service will also be terminated, cutting off a remaining utility that a small group of cardholders still used. This marks the final chapter for a technological solution that promised integration but remained largely isolated from the public's daily habits.
The Road Ahead: A New Unified Ticket System
The focus now shifts to AMC's planned new single-ticket system, which aims to seamlessly integrate fares across different public transport modes. The hope is that learning from the shortcomings of the Janmitra Card project, the new system will offer genuine convenience that encourages widespread voluntary adoption, rather than relying on enforced mandates.
The story of the Janmitra Card serves as a cautionary tale about the challenges of implementing top-down digital solutions without ensuring they align with existing public behavior and offer clear, unmatched value.
