The Indian city of Chennai, the capital of Tamil Nadu, is the seventh largest city in the country to have a metro system.
The system is also known as the MRTS. It serves about 500,000 passengers a day. No information on fares is available. Unfortunately, it doesn’t operate 24 hours a day, nor does it have air conditioning. It is not possible to walk between platforms and the trains are not driverless.
The platforms don’t have screen doors. However, the system can reach a maximum speed of 80 km/h. It seems to have a budget of 500,000.
For more details, you can visit the Chennai Metro Official Website. Or you may also contact them at 1860-425-1515.
Chennai Metro Map
Map of Chennai Metro showing different lines. Click on the map to enlarge it.
The Chennai Metro Rail System
With a population of approximately 7.5 million, Chennai’s rapid growth led to significant traffic congestion and complex road networks. This surge in urban development brought with it the need for an effective rail system, leading to the conception of the Chennai Metro Rail project by the Government of Tamil Nadu. Integrated with buses and suburban trains, the Chennai Metro Rail service alleviates the city’s traffic woes.
The Chennai Metro Rail Corporation Limited (CMRC) has been entrusted with the implementation and operation of the project.
Lines and Stations
The first phase of the Chennai Metro Rail project was launched on 29 June 2015, but the roots of the project go back to 2005. After a decade of planning, bureaucratic delays and a budget of Rs 14,000 crore, the project has finally come to fruition. Phase I of the project consists of two corridors with a total length of 45.1 km as per the final Detailed Project Report (DPR).
Corridor-1 or Blue Line
The Blue Line, officially known as Corridor I, runs from Washermanpet to Chennai International Airport and is 23.1 km long. It comprises ten metro stations: Washermenpet, Mannadi, High Court, Chennai Central Station, Government Estate, LIC, Thousand Lights, AG-DMS, Teynampet, Saidapet and six elevated stations: Little Mount, Guindy, Alandur, OTA, Meenambakiam, Chennai Airport.
Corridor-2 or Green Line
Starting from Chennai Central and ending at St Thomas Mount, the Green Line is 22 km long and has 17 stations, of which nine are underground and eight are elevated. The underground stations are: Central Chennai, Egmore, Kipauk, Nehru Park, Pachaiyappa’s, Shenoy Nagar, Annanagar East, Anna Nagar Tower, Tirumangalam, Koyambedu. The elevated stations include: CMBT, Arumbakkam, Vadapalani, Ashok Nagar, Ekkattuthangal, Alandur, St. Thomas Mount.
Future Expansions
The second phase of the Chennai Metro Rail project includes five additional corridors. The project overview indicates that the executive focus in 2003 was on the design and construction of corridors 1 and 2 in Phase I. Phase II includes:
- Corridor-3: Ambathur Industrial Area (Mogapair), Ring Road, Arcort road, Panagal Park, Theagaraya road, Eldams road, Luz Church Road, RK Mutt Road, Adyar Bridge, Lattice Bridge Road, Tiruvanmiyur.
- Corridor-4: Porur – Kodambakkam (Arcort Road), Panagal Park, Theagaraya road, Eldams Road, Luz Church Road, Kutchery Road, Kamrajair Salai.
- Corridor-5: Ring Road.
- Corridor-6: Radhakrishnan Salai, Nugambakkam High Road, Mc. Nickols Road, KMC
- Corridor-7: Road 5 NH.
Chennai Metro Operating Hours
Chennai Metro operates from 6:00 am to 10:00 pm on weekdays and from 8:00 am to 10:00 pm on Sundays. Peak hours are usually from 8:30 to 10:30 and 15:00 to 18:00.
Frequency
At peak times, trains arrive every 10 minutes. At off-peak times and weekends the frequency is every 15 minutes.
Fares and Tickets
The Chennai Metro has introduced a fixed fare system based on distance travelled since its inception. As a result, the minimum fare is ₹10 and the maximum fare can be as high as ₹40, making it the most expensive metro system in India, including that of the capital, New Delhi.
- As a reference:
- Koyambedu – Alanur ₹ 40
- Koyambedu – Ekkattuthangal ₹ 40
- Koyambedu – Ashok Nagar ₹ 40
- Koyambedu -Vadapalani ₹ 20
- Koyambedu -Arumbakkam ₹ 20
- Koyambedu -CMBT ₹ 10
There are two methods of payment, smart cards and tokens. These can be bought at any station. Remember to drop the token at the exit gates to open the doors automatically.
Store Value Card
To purchase a Store Value Card, you must pay a refundable deposit. The deposit is Rs.50 and a minimum recharge of Rs.50 is also required. Subsequent top-ups are a minimum of Rs.100 and the maximum top-up is Rs.3000. The card expires one year after the last recharge. A major benefit of the Store Value Card is the 10% discount on fares on every journey and the elimination of queuing for tickets. The card is transferable and can be purchased and topped up at station ticket machines.
Tourist Card
This card is ideal for short-term visitors. It costs a fare of Rs.100 plus a refundable deposit of Rs.50. The card offers unlimited rides and is valid for one day only. The card must be used within 30 days of purchase and can be purchased and recharged from the vending machines at the stations.
Trip Card
Designed for citizens and residents who use the metro on a daily basis, the Trip Card requires the selection of two fixed stations as origin and destination.
Several types are available:
- 10 trips valid for 7 days – from 80 to 320 rupees
- 40 trips valid for 30 days – between 320 and 1280 rupees
- 60 trips valid for 60 days – between 480 and 1920 rupees.
These cards offer a 20% discount on normal fares. A refundable deposit of 50 rupees is required when the card is issued. Journey cards can be purchased and recharged from automatic machines at railway stations.
Chennai Metro Park and Ride
Parking is available at Koyambedu, Arumbakkam, Vadapalani, Ashok Nagar, Ekkattuthangal, Alandur. However, parking is not free. Cars are charged 10 rupees every 3 hours and 200 rupees if the vehicle is left outside office hours (6:00-22:00). Motorcycles pay half the rate. Monthly passes are also available. Note that parking is at the owner’s risk and no refunds are given for parking fees.
Interesting Facts
In the original Chennai Metro Rail project plan, each train was to have a first-class compartment at the front, with fares twice as high as economy. This plan was not implemented.
Penalties include one month’s imprisonment and a fine of 50 rupees for anyone caught trying to ride on the roof of the train.