Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) has reported a significant surge in passenger traffic for June 2025, with ridership crossing the 92 lakh mark. The sharp rise from May’s 89.09 lakh passenger count marks one of the highest recorded upticks in monthly footfall for the city’s urban rapid transit system, pointing to growing commuter preference for efficient, accessible, and sustainable public transport solutions.
According to CMRL data, the network clocked a record high single-day ridership of over 3.72 lakh passengers on June 27, coinciding with end-of-month travel patterns and an ongoing awareness campaign encouraging smartcard-based travel. With a daily average ridership now rising to over 3.30 lakh, officials confirmed that this upward trend is in line with projections following operational optimisation, route connectivity, and digital ticketing reforms. A key driver of the surge has been the successful adoption of the National Common Mobility Card (NCMC) and the Singara Chennai card, which CMRL has actively promoted since phasing out its closed-loop card system. More than 44 lakh commuters used these interoperable smartcards in June alone, making them the most widely used fare medium for the month. This push is aligned with India’s broader smart mobility framework, supporting frictionless travel across modes.
Officials attribute the steep rise in ridership to multiple factors, including better frequency on core corridors, improved last-mile integration, and a 20 percent discount incentive across all ticketing modes—except for single-journey paper QR tickets purchased at counters. The fare concession, launched to encourage digital adoption and decongest ticketing lines, is proving effective. Digital ticketing has also taken centre stage, with over 20 lakh passengers opting for QR code-based tickets via smartphones, while more than 9 lakh transactions were conducted through online payment channels. These alternatives reduce physical contact, accelerate boarding, and streamline operations, aligning with CMRL’s aim to enhance commuter experience and safety post-pandemic.
As Chennai Metro marks its tenth operational anniversary, it has clocked over 35 crore cumulative passenger journeys since its debut between Alandur and Koyambedu in 2015. The system has gradually evolved into a backbone of Chennai’s public transport landscape, helping address traffic congestion and curbing vehicular emissions in a rapidly urbanising metropolis. Transport experts believe the metro’s performance in June signals more than just a rebound. It represents a growing trust in public infrastructure and a shift in commuter culture. A senior urban mobility planner noted that adoption of the NCMC platform also allows for seamless future integration with MTC buses and suburban trains, paving the way for multimodal ticketing systems that cities like Delhi and Bengaluru are already piloting.
The move towards digitisation is also seen as a low-carbon strategy. By reducing paper ticketing and incentivising digital payments, Chennai Metro contributes to the city’s broader sustainability targets. CMRL’s emphasis on cashless, interoperable systems not only improves efficiency but also supports India’s Smart City Mission goals. However, infrastructure specialists caution that rising footfalls must be matched by timely expansions and maintenance. Chennai Metro’s Phase II, covering 118.9 km, is currently under construction and will be crucial in sustaining ridership momentum. The new lines are expected to extend services into underserved areas of the city, enhancing accessibility and equity.
Public response to the ten-year milestone has been largely positive. Citizens highlight the metro’s cleanliness, punctuality, and safety. For many commuters, particularly office-goers and students, the metro now forms the default mode of daily travel. Officials have also stepped up awareness campaigns to familiarise riders with digital options and encourage card recharges through kiosks, online portals, and third-party apps. The simplification of ticketing workflows and real-time journey planning tools are being seen as necessary add-ons for the modern commuter. Looking ahead, CMRL is focusing on expanding the usage of Singara Chennai cards to other transport modes and retail services. Integration with retail POS and ride-share platforms is on the anvil, according to officials, as part of efforts to make the metro system not only a transport utility but a civic mobility ecosystem.
As the ridership trajectory continues upward, the onus is now on sustaining service quality, accelerating Phase II construction, and ensuring metro access remains inclusive and affordable. Chennai Metro’s June figures may mark a turning point—from a growing public utility to an indispensable civic amenity in the city’s climate-conscious future.
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