Why in news?
The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has enabled online ticket booking for more than 170 centrally protected monuments and museums, including the Taj Mahal and the Red Fort, via the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC). Tourists can now purchase tickets through various apps on the ONDC network, improving access and convenience.
Background
Launched in April 2022 by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), ONDC aims to democratise e‑commerce in India. Instead of relying on a few dominant marketplaces, ONDC provides a set of open‑source protocols—similar to the Unified Payments Interface (UPI)—that allow buyers and sellers to transact across different platforms. The initiative operates as a non‑profit Section 8 company and is guided by an advisory council drawn from government and industry.
How ONDC works
- Open protocols: ONDC’s architecture is built on open‑source specifications, including the Beckn protocol, enabling interoperability between apps. This unbundles services such as cataloguing, ordering, payment and delivery.
- Participants: Buyer‑side apps (used by consumers), seller‑side apps (used by merchants) and logistics providers are all connected through ONDC gateways.
- Inclusivity: By lowering entry barriers, ONDC makes it easier for small businesses, street vendors and local artisans to sell online without paying high commissions to a single platform.
Objectives
- Democratise commerce: Create a level playing field where sellers of all sizes can reach customers nationwide.
- Cost efficiency: Reduce transaction fees and customer acquisition costs for merchants.
- Market expansion: Bring underserved regions and niche products into the digital marketplace.
- Consumer choice: Allow buyers to discover products across multiple sellers and service providers through a single interface.
ASI ticketing integration
- Multiple platforms: Visitors can book tickets via apps such as Highway Delite, Pelocal’s WhatsApp‑based service and Abhee by Mondee. More apps are expected to join the network.
- Streamlined access: Online booking reduces queues at heritage sites and includes existing discounts for Indian and foreign visitors.
- Public sector adoption: The integration shows how ONDC can support government services, demonstrating its versatility beyond retail and food delivery.
Significance
- Tourism boost: Easier ticketing encourages domestic and international tourists to visit monuments and reduces wait times.
- Digital inclusion: By using open standards, ONDC ensures that even small app developers can offer services, expanding choices for consumers.
- Future potential: ONDC’s modular design could eventually be used for mobility, groceries, healthcare and other services, mirroring the success of UPI in payments.
Source: The Economic Times
