Key facts
- The Kochi1 card was launched by Kochi Metro Rail Ltd and Axis Bank on 17 June 2017, the day the metro was inaugurated; Axis Bank called it India's first open-loop EMV contactless metro card.
- The card runs on RuPay and was designed to the National Common Mobility Card guidelines, with Axis Bank working with NPCI on the transit specification.
- From Saturday, 2 March 2019, the Kochi1 card could be used on private buses in Kochi, which Deccan Chronicle described as India's first inter-modal transit card.
- KMRL launched WhatsApp QR tickets in January 2024 with 10% off at normal hours and 50% off in the early-morning and late-night non-peak windows (Onmanorama).
- In August 2025 Onmanorama reported that Kochi Metro's ticket vending machines had begun accepting UPI payments by QR code.
A bank card for a metro, 2017
When Kochi Metro opened its first stretch from Aluva to Palarivattom on 17 June 2017, Kochi Metro Rail Ltd (KMRL) and Axis Bank launched the Kochi1 card the same day. Axis Bank's press release described it as India's first 'single wallet contactless open-loop' metro card: a prepaid RuPay card on EMV standards that could pay metro fares and also be used at shops. Deccan Chronicle had reported on 11 June 2017 that the card would launch on 17 June.
The open-loop design mattered. Axis Bank said it had worked with the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) on the transit specification, and NPCI's July 2017 newsletter listed Kochi Metro, Bengaluru's BMTC and Ahmedabad among the first users of RuPay contactless cards built to the government's National Common Mobility Card guidelines. Cards were personalised with the holder's name at the station counter, could be topped up with cash or a bank card, and came with a Kochi1 app for balances, top-ups and blocking a lost card.
Timeline
| Date | What happened | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 17 June 2017 | Kochi1 card launched by KMRL and Axis Bank as the metro opens | Axis Bank press release; Deccan Chronicle |
| July 2017 | NPCI lists Kochi Metro among the first RuPay contactless transit deployments | NPCI newsletter |
| 2 March 2019 | Kochi1 card accepted on private buses; parking at metro stations offered at 10% off with the card | Deccan Chronicle, 3 March 2019 |
| January 2024 | WhatsApp QR tickets launched, with 10% off at normal hours and 50% off in non-peak hours | Onmanorama, 9 January 2024 |
| August 2025 | Ticket vending machines begin accepting UPI by QR code | Onmanorama, 4 August 2025 |
Beyond the metro, 2019
The card's first big extension came on 2 March 2019 (a Saturday), when it began working on private buses. Deccan Chronicle called it the country's first inter-modal transit card and reported that holders could pay for parking at metro stations at a 10% discount. Axis Bank's Sanjeev Moghe told the paper the bank aimed to add more services; the plans mentioned then included autorickshaws, State Water Transport ferries, the proposed Water Metro and KSRTC buses. Wikipedia today says the card can be used on KSRTC and private buses, SWTD ferries and the Kochi Water Metro, and that feeder autorickshaws at metro stations accept it; acceptance on a particular bus is worth checking.
QR tickets, WhatsApp and apps, 2024–2025
Paper and card were joined by phone tickets. In January 2024 KMRL launched QR tickets on WhatsApp; Onmanorama reported a 10% discount at normal hours and 50% off during non-peak hours, which it gave as 5.45–7 am and 10–11 pm. KMRL QR tickets also became available through apps on the government-backed ONDC network, including Google Maps, Paytm and PhonePe; we could not find a reliable start date for those, so we do not give one.
In August 2025 Onmanorama reported that the ticket vending machines at Kochi Metro stations had started accepting UPI payments by scanning a QR code, removing the need for cash at the machines. Fare levels themselves are covered in our Kochi Metro fare history, and today's practical tricks in Kochi Metro hacks for Kalamassery.
Discounts and offers on Kochi Metro have changed several times. The percentages above are as reported at launch; check KMRL's current terms before relying on them.
What this meant at Kalamassery
For commuters at Kalamassery metro station and Cochin University station, the practical change over nine years has been from queuing at a counter for a token or top-up to buying a ticket on the phone before reaching the platform. We did not find published figures splitting ridership by ticket type, so we cannot say which method is most used.
Why this history matters near the NAD signal
Men staying near the NAD Road signal usually reach the metro by bus or the Medical College feeder, so a card or app ticket that works on both saves time. Ashraf Gents Hostel, a men's hostel/PG at Ashraf house on NAD Road, Kalamassery, quotes monthly and daily stays on +91 90746 23855. For other transport history, see KSRTC Swift and Kochi's bus changes and the Kalamassery history archive.
Frequently asked questions
When was the Kochi1 card launched?
On 17 June 2017, the day Kochi Metro was inaugurated, by KMRL and Axis Bank.
What is special about the Kochi1 card?
It is an open-loop prepaid RuPay card on EMV standards, built to National Common Mobility Card guidelines, so it can pay for transit and at shops rather than only on the metro.
Can I use the Kochi1 card on buses?
It was extended to private buses from 2 March 2019, and Wikipedia lists KSRTC buses and ferries too, but check acceptance on the bus you board.
When did WhatsApp tickets start on Kochi Metro?
In January 2024, with launch discounts of 10% at normal hours and 50% in non-peak hours.
Can I pay by UPI at Kochi Metro ticket machines?
Yes. Onmanorama reported in August 2025 that the machines accept UPI by scanning a QR code.
Related guides
Sources
- Axis Bank: Axis Bank and Kochi Metro launch India's first single-wallet contactless open-loop metro card (press release, 17 June 2017)
- Deccan Chronicle: Kochi One smart card to be launched on June 17 (11 June 2017)
- NPCI newsletter, July 2017: Top highlights
- Deccan Chronicle: Kochi1 card services in private buses (3 March 2019)
- Onmanorama: Book Kochi Metro tickets on WhatsApp (9 January 2024)
- Onmanorama: Kochi Metro UPI payment at vending machines (4 August 2025)
- Wikipedia: Kochi Metro
Facts about Ashraf Gents Hostel come from the hostel’s own profile and photos; rates are indicative and confirmed on the call. Last reviewed . How we write these guides: editorial notes. Map embeds © Google.
Cite this guide: Ashraf Gents Hostel. “The Kochi1 Card and Metro Ticketing: 2017 to Today.” Published 8 October 2026. https://ashrafgentspghostel.adserr.com/kochi1-card-history/ Plain-text (Markdown) version · quoting with a link back is welcome.