Chennai Metro

Rapid transit system in Chennai, India From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Chennai Metro

The Chennai Metro is a rapid transit system serving the city of Chennai, India. Operated by Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) – a joint venture between the Government of India and the State Government of Tamil Nadu, the network consists of two lines and spans 54.1 km (33.6 mi). The system uses standard gauge and has 41 underground and elevated stations.

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Chennai Metro
A metro train at Guindy station on the Blue Line
A metro train at Guindy station on the Blue Line
Overview
OwnerChennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL)
LocaleChennai, Tamil Nadu, India
Transit typeRapid Transit
Number of lines2 (operational)
3 (under construction)
Line numberOperational
Number of stations41
Daily ridership288329 (2024)[1]
Annual ridership105.24 million (2024) [2]
HeadquartersMetroS, Anna Salai, Nandanam, Chennai–600035
Websitechennaimetrorail.org
Operation
Began operation29 June 2015; 9 years ago (2015-06-29)
Operator(s)Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL)
Number of vehicles52
Train length100 m (330 ft)
Headway6–12 minutes
Technical
System length54.1 km (33.6 mi)
Track gauge1,435 mm (4 ft 8+12 in) standard gauge
Electrification25 kV 50 Hz AC Catenary[3]
Top speed120 km/h (75 mph)
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Planning for the Metro started in 2007-08 with construction commencing in February 2009. After testing in 2014, the first segment of the metro between the Alandur and Koyambedu stations on the Green Line began operations on 29 June 2015. On 21 September 2016, operations on the Blue Line commenced between Chennai Airport and Little Mount. The underground stretch from AG-DMS to Washermanpet of Blue Line opened on 10 February 2019, completing phase 1 of the Metro.

Three more lines covering a length of 118.9 km (73.9 mi) are under construction as part of the second phase. The Chennai Mass Rapid Transit System, operated by Indian Railways, is planned to be incorporated into the Chennai Metro. A light rail has been proposed to connect Tambaram of the Chennai suburban rail network with Velachery on the MRTS. Further extensions are also planned for the three lines under construction.

Background

A single electrified line from Chennai Beach to Tambaram began operations in 1931 as part of the Chennai Suburban Railway. Two other rail lines were subsequently built connecting Chennai Central to Gummidipoondi and Tiruvallur in 1979.[4][5] In 1965, the Planning Commission evaluated the capacity of the transportation network in major metropolitan cities including Madras, and developed plans for further expansion of transportation amenities.[6][7] As a result, an initial stretch of the Chennai Mass Rapid Transit System (MRTS) between Chennai Beach and Chepauk opened in 1995 – the first elevated rail line in India. The MRTS later extended to Thirumayilai in 1997, to Thiruvanmiyur in 2004, and to Velachery in 2007.[8][9][10] In 2006, a modern metro rail system for Chennai was planned and would be modeled after the Delhi Metro.[11][12]

Planning and construction

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Perspective

Phase I

More information Phase I ...
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The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) was tasked to prepare a project report on the implementation of metro system in Chennai.[12] The Government of Tamil Nadu approved the first phase of the project in November 2007.[13] The first phase was planned with two lines covering 45.1 km (28.0 mi) with 25 km (15.5 mi) being underground. The first corridor would connect Washermanpet with Chennai International Airport extending for 23.1 km (14.4 mi) with 14.3 km (8.9 mi) being underground and the second corridor would connect St.Thomas Mount with Chennai Central extending for 22 km (13.7 mi) with 9.7 km (6.0 mi) being underground.[12] In December 2007, the Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) was established as a joint venture between the Governments of India and Tamil Nadu to execute the project.[13] The Planning commission gave in-principle approval for the project in April 2008 with the final approval by the Union Cabinet of Government of India in January 2009.[13][14] The estimated base cost of the first phase was 146 billion (US$1.7 billion) of which 59% was loaned by Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). The Government of India contributed 15% of the cost with the Government of Tamil Nadu financed the remaining 21% of the project.[12]

In February 2009, a 1.99 billion (US$23 million) contract was awarded for the construction of a 4.5 km (2.8 mi) long viaduct along the Inner Ring Road between Koyambedu and Ashok Nagar and construction started on 10 June.[15][16] In March 2009, a US$30 million contract was awarded to a consortium of five companies headed by French company Egis for technical consultancy on the project.[17] In August 2010, the contract for supplying rolling stock was awarded to Alstom for US$243 million.[18][19] In January 2011, a joint venture between Larsen and Toubro (L&T) and Alstom was awarded the contract for design and construction of track works and a depot at Koyambedu for 4.49 billion (US$51 million).[20][21]

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Construction of an elevated section in the first phase in 2011

Contracts for the construction of underground sections of the first phase were awarded to Gammon India and Mosmetrostroy in February 2011.[22][23] Subsequently in June, tenders for the elevated stations of the first phase were awarded to Consolidated Construction Consortium.[24][25] The contract for supply of lifts and escalators was awarded to a joint venture of Johnson Lifts and SJEC Corporation.[26] The contract for power supply and overhead electrification was awarded to Siemens for 3.05 billion (US$35 million) and contracts for automatic fare collection (AFC), tunnel ventilation and air conditioning were awarded to Nippon Signal, Emirates Trading Agency and Voltas, respectively.[27][28][29] In July 2012, the first tunnel boring machine was launched and by October that year, eleven machines were commissioned to bore tunnels by three consortia – Afcons-Transtonnelstroy, L&T and SUCG.[30]

In August 2012, a construction worker was killed with six others seriously injured due to a crane failure near Pachaiyappa's College and on 10 January 2013, a 22-year-old construction worker was killed with three others injured at a construction site between Alandur and St Thomas Mount.[31] On 6 November 2013, a test run was conducted along a stretch of 1 km (0.62 mi) track.[32] The project faced several delays and missed deadlines due to problems with land acquisition and cancellation of construction contracts.[33][34] On 11 January 2014, a crane toppled over, killing a 20-year-old construction worker and seriously injuring another at Saidapet.[35]

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Chennai Metro during trail runs in early 2014

On 14 February 2014, the maiden trial run was conducted between Koyambedu and Ashok Nagar stations.[36][37] The metro received the statutory speed certification clearance from the Research Design and Standards Organisation (RDSO) in August that year.[38][39] In January 2015, a report was submitted to the Commissioner of Metro Rail Safety (CMRS) for mandatory safety approvals.[40] After inspecting the infrastructure, the CMRS submitted the report to the Railway Board in April 2015.[41][42][43]

On 17 June 2015, a 30-year-old man was killed and another motorcyclist injured when an iron rod fell on them at a metro construction site near Officers Training Academy at St. Thomas Mount.[44] Operations on the green line between the Alandur and Koyambedu stations commenced on 29 June 2015.[45] The blue line segment from the Airport and Little Mount stations commenced operations on 21 September 2016.[46] The first underground section between Thirumangalam to Nehru Park on the green line opened on 14 May 2017,[47] and the extension to Chennai central was completed on 25 May 2018 along with the section from the Saidapet and AG-DMS stations on the blue line.[48] On 10 February 2019, the underground stretch from AG-DMS to Washermanpet of blue line was opened, marking the completion of the first phase of the metro.[49]

More information Line Name, Terminals ...
Chennai Metro - Phase I
Line Name Terminals Stations Status
Green Line Koyambedu Alandur 7 29 June 2015
Alandur St. Thomas Mount 1 14 October 2016
Thirumangalam Nehru Park 7 14 May 2017
Nehru Park Central 2 25 May 2018
Blue Line Chennai Airport Little Mount 6 21 September 2016
Little Mount AG–DMS 4 25 May 2018
AG–DMS Washermanpet 7 10 February 2019
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Phase I Extension

A 9 km (5.6 mi) northern extension of the blue line was announced in 2014 by the Government of Tamil Nadu. The extension would run from Washermanpet to Wimco Nagar and consist of nine stations.[50][51][52] Construction started in July 2016 with trial runs in December 2020.[53][54] The line opened for passenger traffic on 14 February 2021, increasing the length of the operational metro system to 54.1 km (33.62 mi).[55] The expansion costed 37.7 billion (US$430 million) of which 57% was loaned by Japan.[55]

In 2021, the CMRL proposed a further extension of the blue line to connect the airport with Kilambakkam at an estimated cost of 46.25 billion (US$530 million).[56][57]

More information Line, Terminals ...
Chennai Metro - Phase I Extension
Line Terminals Length Stations Status Reference
Blue Line Washermanpet Wimco Nagar 9 km (5.6 mi) 8 14 February 2021 [55]
Wimco Nagar Wimco Nagar Depot 1 13 March 2022
Chennai Airport Kilambakkam 15.46 km (9.61 mi) 13 DPR submitted. [58][59]
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Phase II

More information Phase II ...
Chennai Metro
Phase II
Pattabiram Depot
Pattabiram
Hindu College
Avadi railway station Avadi, Assisi Nagar
Madhavaram Depot
Murugappa College, Manjambakkam
Madhavaram Milk Colony
Vaishnavi Nagar, Velmurugan Nagar
Thirumullaivoyal, Bus interchange Madhavaram BT
Madhavaram High Road
Stedford Hospital, Sastri Nagar
Moolakadai
Ambattur OT, Retteri
Ambattur, Kolathur
Ambattur railway station Mainline rail interchange
Sembiyum
Dunlop, Srinivasa Nagar
Perambur Market
Telephone-Exchange, Villivakkam
Perambur
Bus interchange Ambattur Estate, Bus interchangeVillivakkam BT
Ayanavaram
Mannurpet, Villivakkam MTH Road
Otteri
Golden Colony, Anna Nagar West
Park Road, Thirumangalam
Pattalam
Padi Pudhu Nagar, Anna Nagar KV
Perambur Barracks Road
Purusaiwalkam
Kellys
Koyambedu
Kilpauk
Koyambedu Market
Natesan Nagar
Mainline rail interchangeChetpet railway station
Virugambakkam
Chetpet
Alwarthirunagar
Saligramam Warehouse
Valasaravakkam
Saligramam, Sterling Road
Karambakkam
Vadapalani, Nungambakkam
Alapakkam
Powerhouse, Anna Flyover
Kodambakkam
Porur, Mugalivakkam
Mainline rail interchange Kodambakkam railway station
Porur Bypass, Ramapuram
Panagal Park, Thousand Lights
Nandanam
Thelliyaragaram, Manapakkam
Boat Club, Royapettah
Iyyapanthangal, Chennai Trade Centre
Bharathidasan Road, RK Salai
Kattupakkam, Butt Road
Alwarpet, Thirumayilai Thirumayilai railway station
Kumananchavadi, Alandur
Mandaveli, Kutchery Road
Karayanchavadi, St. Thomas Mount
Greenways Road, Lighthouse
St.Thomas Mount Railway & MRTS Mainline rail interchange
Mullaithottam, Adambakkam Adambakkam railway station
Adyar Junction
Bus interchange Poonamallee, Vanuvampet
Bus interchange Adyar Bus Depot
Poonamallee Depot, Ullagaram
Indira-Nagar Indira Nagar railway station(MRTS)
Thiruvanmiyur Thiruvanmiyur railway station(MRTS)
Poonamallee Bypass, Madipakkam
Tharamani
Nazarethpet, Kilkattalai
Nehru Nagar
Chembarambakkam, Echangadu
Kandanchavadi
Thirumazhisai, Kovilambakkam
Perungudi
Pappanchatiram, Vellakkal
Thoraipakkam
Chettipedu, Medavakkam I
Mettukuppam
Thandalam, Medavakkam II
PTC Colony
Irungattukottai SIPCOT, Perumbakkam
Okkiyampet
Pennalur, Classical Tamil Institute
Karapakkam
Sriperumbudur
Okkiyam Thoraipakkam
Pattunool Chatram, ELCOT
Sholinganallur
Irungulam Industrial Estate
Sholinganallur Lake I
Mambakkam
Sholinganallur Lake II
Sunguvarchatiram
Nookampalayam Metro Depot
Santhavelur
Semmancheri I
Pillaichatiram
Semmancheri II
Neervalur
Gandhi Nagar
Chennai Greenfield Airport Parandur
Navalur
Siruseri
SIPCOT I
SIPCOT II
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In July 2016, the Government of Tamil Nadu announced that the second phase would have three lines spanning 104 km (65 mi) with 104 stations.[60][61] Two corridors would extend from Madhavaram Milk Colony connecting with Siruseri SIPCOT and Sholinganallur respectively with the third corridor connecting Koyambedu with Lighthouse on the Marina beach. In July 2017, the state government announced an extension of Phase II, involving a section from Lighthouse up to Poonamallee with an intersection with the Madhavaram–Sholinganallur line at Alwarthirunagar. The second phase would span 118.9 km (73.9 mi) with 128 stations.[55][62] The stations for the second phase were designed to be smaller than the stations of the first phase to reduce the cost and time of construction.[63] In 2019, the Madras High Court questioned the state government on the construction method of the tunnels and its impact on the water bodies.[64] The second phase was estimated to cost 63.25 billion (US$720 million) of which 47.1 billion (US$540 million) was loaned by JICA.[55][65][66]

On 20 November 2020, foundation stone for the second phase was laid and construction commenced.[67] On 14 February 2021, Prime Minister of India announced that the government has set aside 630 billion (US$7.2 billion) for the construction of the second phase and its further extension.[68] In May 2021, the CMRL awarded contracts to Tata Group, L&T and HCC-KEC for the construction of various sections of the second phase.[69] In November 2022, Alstom was awarded a contract to supply rolling stock for the second phase. The contract included a provision for the supply of 78 train sets including 36 driver-less trains.[70][71] In December 2022, a contract for the installation of tracks was given to KEC–VNC and Hitachi bagged the contract for the installation of signalling systems.[72][73] In January 2023, Rail Vikas Nigam Limited was awarded a contract for the constructions of underground stations and Linxon was given the contract for the installation of electric traction.[74][75]

In May 2023, the CMRL announced no changes to the lines' alignment and that nine stations would be scrapped in the revised plan.[76] Hence, the total length of the second phase was reduced to 118.9 km (73.9 mi).[77]

More information Line Name, Terminals ...
Chennai Metro - Phase II[78]
Line Name Terminals Length (km) Stations Status
Purple Line Madhavaram Milk Colony Siruseri SIPCOT 45.4 47 Under construction
Orange Line Poonamallee Bypass Lighthouse 26.1 27
Red Line Madhavaram Milk Colony Sholinganallur 44.6 45
Total 116.1 119[a]
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In May 2023, L&T was contracted for the installation of overhead equipment and control and monitoring systems.[79] Tata Projects was awarded the contract to construct select stations in October.[80] In December, the CMRL awarded the contract to ST Engineering for the installation of platform screen doors in the elevated stations of the second phase.[81] In the same month, Shellinfo was awarded a contract 42 crore (US$4.8 million) for the installation of automated fare collection systems.[82] In addition to the previously ordered Alstom train-sets, the CMRL invited bids in March 2024 for the supply of 500 train-sets for the second phase.[83] As of May 2024, about 50 km (31 mi) of the second phase had been completed.[84]

Phase II Extension

In 2022, the state government proposed an extension plan spanning 93 km (58 mi) for the three under construction lines of the second phase. The proposal involved extension of Purple Line from Siruseri SIPCOT to Kilambakkam, Orange Line from Poonamallee to Parandur and Red Line from Koyambedu to Avadi.[85] The proposed extension of second phase lines from Siruseri to Kilambakkam, Poonamallee to Parandur, and Koyambedu to Avadi were projected to cost 54.58 billion (US$620 million), 107.12 billion (US$1.2 billion), and 67.36 billion (US$770 million), respectively.[86][87] Between late 2023 and early 2024, feasibility reports submitted by the CMRL suggested dropping the proposed extension of the purple line due to economic viability and going ahead with the planned extensions of the other two lines, spanning 59.7 km (37.1 mi).[86][87][88] In May 2024, the state government proposed a new 16 km (9.9 mi) extension from Madhavaram to Ennore.[89][90] In August 2024, another new extension from Airport metro to Poonamallee was proposed by CMRL with the aim of connecting the existing airport with the upcoming new airport at Parandur by metro.[91][92]

More information Line, Terminals ...
Chennai Metro - Phase II Extension
Line Terminals via Length Stations Status Reference
Red Line
(Line 5B)
Koyambedu Pattabiram ORR Mogappair, Ambattur, Avadi 21.76 km (13.52 mi) 19 DPR submitted. [93][94]
Orange Line Poonamallee Bypass Parandur Sriperumbudur, Irungattukottai 43.6 km (27.1 mi) 19 DPR under preparation [85][87][95]
TBD Chennai International Airport Poonamallee Thiruneermalai, Kundrathur 16 km (9.9 mi) TBD Feasibility study going on [91][92]
TBD Madhavaram Milk Colony Ennore Wimco Nagar 16 km (9.9 mi) TBD Feasibility to be studied [89][90]
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Integration of MRTS

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Chennai MRTS is proposed to be handed over to Chennai Metro

The government proposed to integrate the Chennai Mass Rapid Transit System (MRTS) into the Chennai Metro in 2017.[96] In July 2018, the PwC said that the merger would cost around 30 billion (US$340 million) to convert the rolling stock and install other facilities for the merger.[97] On 11 May 2022, Southern Railway of the Indian Railways granted in-principle approval for the conversion of the MRTS into the metro.[98] The railway would handover the MRTS to the CMRL once the expansion of the MRTS is completed and as of 2024, the extended second phase of the MRTS project, connecting Velachery with St. Thomas Mount was still under construction.[99][100] Once the takeover is completed, Chennai Metro will upgrade the entire MRTS system including tracks, security, ticketing system and rolling stock.[101]

Metrolite

In 2020, a light rail was proposed to connect Tambaram railway station of the existing suburban rail network with Velachery on the MRTS,[102] as part of plans to link the different urban transit lines in the city.[103][104] Feasibility studies for the project was commissioned in February 2023 by the Chennai Unified Metropolitan Transport Authority (CUMTA).[103] In March 2024, a study was commissioned to re-assess the feasibility of establishing a new corridor connecting Tambaram with Velachery with an extension to connect with the metro at Guindy.[105]

More information Line, Terminals ...
Chennai Metrolite
Line Terminals Length Stations Status Reference
Metrolite Tambaram Velachery 20 km (12 mi) TBD DFR to be re-assessed and prepared [102][105]
Velachery Guindy 3 km (1.9 mi)
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Others

In 2023, the CMRL proposed the development of Central Square around its headquarters with commercial complexes and multi-storied buildings.[106] The third phase of the Chennai Metro is under planning as a part of the Chennai Comprehensive Mobility Plan.[107] The CMRL is also involved in the feasibility studies for the development of metro rail transport in the cities of Coimbatore, Madurai and Tiruchirapalli.[108]

Infrastructure

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Network and lines

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Chennai Metro runs on 1,435 mm (4 ft 8+12 in) standard gauge and the lines are double-tracked.[109] The average operational speed is 85 km/h (53 mph) with a maximum speed of 120 km/h (75 mph).[110]

As of March 2024, the operational network consists of two colour-coded lines covering a length of 54.1 km (33.6 mi).[55][111]

More information Line, Terminal ...
Operational lines of Chennai Metro[112][55]
Line Terminal Operational Length (km) Stations
Blue Line Wimco Nagar Depot Chennai Airport 21 September 2016 32.1 26
Green Line Puratchi Thalaivar Dr. M.G. Ramachandran Central St. Thomas Mount 29 June 2015 22 17
Total 54.1 41[b]
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Rolling stock

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Chennai metro coaches are manufactured by Alstom

Alstom supplies the rolling stock for the Chennai Metro.[113] The first nine train sets were imported from Brazil and the rest were manufactured at a new facility set up near Chennai.[114][115] For the first phase, Alstom supplied 52 train-sets composed of four coaches each with each car measuring 300 m (980 ft) in length.[116] The trains are air-conditioned with electrically operated automated sliding doors and have a first class compartment with a dedicated section reserved for women.[117]

The trains operate on 25 kV AC traction catenary system with a maximum speed of 120 km/h (75 mph).[118] The trains are connected to the grid via overhead electric cables and are equipped with regenerative braking with a capacity to recover 30–35% of the energy during braking.[119] The metro consumes an average of 70 MW of power daily and the electricity is supplied by Tamil Nadu Electricity Board.[120] Chennai Metro also uses solar power with an installed capacity of 6.4 MWp, which contributes to about 12-15% of the energy requirement of the metro.[121]

Stations

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Full-height enclosed platform screen doors installed in Chennai Metro's underground stations

A total of 40 stations, 22 of which are underground, are operational on the two existing lines of Phase 1. In the underground sections, a walkway runs along the length with cross passages every 250 m (820 ft) for the maintenance and emergency evacuation.[122] The underground stations have an average width of 200 m (660 ft) and average depth of 6.1 m (20 ft) from the ground level.[123] The length of the stations in Phase 1 extension is 180 m (590 ft).[124][125]

The elevated stations have three levels with the concourse level at a minimum height of 5.5 m (18 ft) above the ground level and platform level above the concourse while the underground stations have two levels with platform screen doors.[126] The stations are air-conditioned and are equipped to be disabled and elderly friendly, with automated fare collection, public announcement system, electronic display boards, escalators and lifts.[127] Paid parking facilities are available for two wheelers in most stations and four wheelers in select stations.[128]

Depots

Chennai Metro maintains a major depot at Koyambedu covering an area of 26 ha (64 acres) which houses maintenance workshops, stabling lines, test tracks and a washing plant for the trains.[129][130] In 2022, an elevated depot at Wimco Nagar, covering an area of 3.5 ha (8.6 acres), commenced operations with facilities for inspection, emergency repair, and a washing plant.[131] A new depot is planned at Madhavaram a part of the second phase.[132] And also a depot is planned at Poonamallee which is part of phase II.[citation needed]

Operations

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Perspective

As of 2022, the metro operates trains from 5:00 am to 11:00 pm. The blue line has an average frequency of every 6 minutes during peak hours and every 12 minutes during off-peak hours. On the green line, the average frequency is 12 minutes during peak hours and 18 minutes during off-peak hours.[133][134] The main operational control center (OCC) is located in Koyambedu where the movement of trains and real-time CCTV footage obtained is monitored.[135] In 2022-23, the average daily ridership was 0.25 million.[136]

Fare and ticketing

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Interior of Chennai Metro coaches

The minimum fare is 10 and the maximum fare is 50.[137][138]

There are six types of tickets issued by CMRL for travel in Chennai Metro.[139]

  • Single journey tokens, which need to be purchased each time for every journey at the ticket counter or in ticket vending machines available at all stations.
  • Stored value cards (SVC) are pre-paid, rechargeable, travel cards that can be purchased at any ticket counter against a refundable deposit, can be recharged up to at any ticket counter or in automated ticket vending machines at stations and offers discounted fares. In April 2023, National Common Mobility Card replaced the Stored value cards
  • Trip cards are for applicable for travel between the same two stations and are available in varied combinations and validity with discounted fares.
  • Tourist cards provide the cardholders unlimited rides on the Chennai Metro system for one day.
  • QR Tickets for single and return journey tickets can be bought through the CMRL mobile app with QR code ticket scanners at stations.[140]
  • National Common Mobility Card, also branded as Singara Chennai card, a stored-value cum debit card launched in 2023 in association with State Bank of India which can be used to access all major other metro and select bus transport systems in India.

Chennai Metro is the second most expensive in terms of ticket cost per kilometer in the country after Mumbai Metro. The fares were temporarily slashed by up to 20 by the then Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu in February 2021 with the maximum fare capped at 40.[141]

See also

Notes

  1. Six inter-connecting stations shared by the lines. Also includes six existing stations as part of the currently operational lines
  2. Two inter-change stations are shared by the lines

References

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