An Overview of the Chennai Metro – Routes, Timings, and Metro Recharge

One of the nation’s most extensive and busy rail networks, the Chennai Metro line links different points in and around Chennai. Numerous commuters benefit daily from the system’s simple and comfortable rides. The Chennai Metro line avoids the city’s exhausting traffic jams and soaring pollution. 

The metro line has reduced the price and ease of travel throughout Chennai. With several metro stations on every corner of the city, there are 10 active coloured metro lines with over 42 metro stations, running 200 daily trips.

The Chennai metro route is a relatively inexpensive and dependable means of travelling to work in Chennai because it spans a considerable distance within the city without any traffic. The Chennai Metro is also a secure option for female passengers travelling alone. 

This article will provide simple tips and appropriate etiquette for utilising the Chennai Metro Line.

Chennai Metro Routes

The Chennai Metro Line route runs throughout, enabling connectivity to different parts of the city. Chennai Metro Line has 6 active coloured lines, constituting 42 stations running on long track. Listed below are the CMRL routes.

Chennai Metro Timings

The regular Chennai Metro line hours are from 5:01 a.m. to 11:01 p.m. The first and last train timings change depending on each station. 

During peak hours, the duration of the Chennai metro line is roughly 6 minutes, while it is 9 minutes during off-peak hours. The complete list of Chennai Metro timings is provided below. One can check the Chennai metro timings of the first and last stations closest to the final desired destination.

The Chennai Metro Line solely has 2 coloured lines with over 42 stations. The following list describes the first and last train timings based on the coloured lines and their specific stations. 

Chennai Metro Holiday Details

The Chennai Metro prices vary on Sundays and public holidays. The prices are listed below based on the number of kilometres travelled. In addition, having a ‘smart card’ entitles you to 10% off the original price. There would be a 20% discount on Sundays and public holidays.

Smart card users will also receive a 20% discount while travelling between the off-peak hours of 6-8 am, 12 pm, 5 pm, and 9 pm, in addition to Sundays and holidays. This implies a double discount. 

Chennai Metro Fare Details 

Travelling on the Chennai Metro line is effortless with a metro token for a single journey or a metro card. The Chennai Metro fares are reasonable as per the distance covered. Depending on the number of kilometres travelled, the Chennai Metro fares vary. The fares for the Chennai Metro Line and Airport Express Line are listed below. 

Chennai Metro Smart Card

The Chennai Metro Line offers two ways of travelling either with a token, which is for a single journey, or a Metro Smart Card. Metro tokens are available at counters in every metro station. 

Metro tokens are permitted for only a single journey with 1-day validity. Travelling with a metro token means one must exit the station within 170 minutes of buying the token. Post the time limit, there are penalty charges of Rs. 10 per hour and Rs. 50 maximum, subject to the time limit. 

How to Avail a Chennai Metro Smart Card?

Every metro station features metro card machines for recharge/top-up as well as counters that hand out metro smart cards for the desired amount. 

The first-time amount for a smart card is Rs. 150, including Rs. 50 for refundable security. Following the first time, Chennai Metro fare for Smart Card recharge starts at Rs 200, can go up to Rs 3000, and can only be used for metro rides. The Smart Card is valid for 1 year after every recharge, with a maximum validity of up to 10 years. 

Benefits of Chennai Metro Smart Card

Travelling with a Smart Metro Card on the Chennai Metro line is hassle-free and convenient for daily commute passengers. There are numerous benefits to possessing a smart card. They are as follows –

• Travel to any destination without using a token, which is only for a single journey.
• To purchase a smart card, there is no need for ID proof.
• Every metro journey worth Rs.100 gives a discount of Rs.10.
• Recharge a smart card once for between Rs. 200 and Rs. 2000 and return it at any time to receive the remaining funds.
• Smart Cards reduce waiting time in a queue to get metro tokens.
• Free access to and from any metro station.
• Any family member may travel using the same card as you.
• If the Smart Card is damaged or expires, commuters can request a refund from the Customer Care Centre at any metro station.
• Validity of a smart card adds up from the last date of the recharge. The validity of the smart card is up to 10 years.
• If entry or exit is from the same station, no ride discount applies.
• If the card is damaged, the security deposit of Rs 50 will not be reimbursed.

How to Recharge the Chennai Metro Card?

The Chennai Metro Line offers numerous platforms to recharge the smart card. They are –

• Recharge counters at the metro stations
• Smart Card Self-Recharge Vending Kiosks
• Online Recharge via digital platforms such as Paytm, Google Pay, Phone Pe

How to Check Chennai Metro Card Balance?

Users can check the balance on their metro cards through customer service counters, automatic vending machines, and while leaving the metro. The exit gate will reflect the current balance as you swipe the smart card. The Chennai Metro line does not offer the ability to check the balance online.

Chennai Metro Helpline Number 

Chennai Metro Line is safe and secure, and the authorities have taken measures to do the same. The metro authorities have designed helpline numbers for different situations or issues. They are as follows –

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS(FAQ’S)