Denizens of the State capital would soon be able to pay utility bills and service charges of the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC), purchase goods from retail stores, pay for movie tickets, travel by the city-based transport system, dine and shop within the city all through a ‘smart card’ only.
It has been decided to roll out a Common Payment Card System (CPCS) in the city before September 15, a senior official of the Bhubaneswar Smart City limited said.
The system would facilitate all citizen service payments across the city including bus and para-transit payments, parking payments, municipal service payments, utility payments, etc., through an open loop-based fare card and mobile applications apart from other payment modes approved by the Reserve Bank of India.
The cards would function like a wallet having a unique number linked to bank account. Money would be debited from the account on swiping the card for availing services.
The citizens, visitors and other users would be able to buy the card through payment of a minimum top-up of Rs 200 per card. A one-time fee of Rs 50 per card shall be retained by the bank as cost towards the card.
Further with an aim to create doorstep delivery of payment services, the implementation also comprises installation of 325 Point of Sale (POS) machines at Government premises and in partnership with private entities, retailers and other merchants at a grid of 500m in the city.
The ICICI Bank has been selected as the implementing agency of the CPC, official sources said, adding that the bank would spend Rs 20 crore towards it and design and make 5 lakh cards.