Chennai airport metro updates. Chennai Metro Rail Corporation Announces New Projects in Trichy, Coimbatore, and Madurai.

On March 27, 2024, the CMRC declared that mass rapid transit feasibility studies had been carried out in Salem, Tiruchirappalli, and Tirunelveli.

The Metro Light will be coming to Salem and Tirunelveli, while the Trichy metro map has already been made public. The study determined which rapid transit routes and systems would work best for the cities.

For instance

• There will be 45 stations for mass rapid transit on two routes in Tiruchirappalli. It will be a 45-kilometre-long metro system with two corridors.
• There will be forty stations along three routes in Tirunelveli.
• There will be 38 stops all along the two lines in Salem.

It is anticipated that the improvements will enhance residents’ mobility.

Overview of the Chennai Metro Line

The Tamil Nadu capital city is served by the Chennai Metro rapid metro transit system. The Chennai Metro system, which opened in 2015, is the fourth-longest metro network in India. There were three lines under development and two operational on the Chennai Metro as of March 2022. The Chennai Metro Rail Corporation is in charge of building and running the Chennai Metro (CMRL).

The Government of Tamil Nadu and the Union Government of India jointly own the Chennai Metro Rail Corporation. There are both elevated and underground metro stations in the Chennai Metro system. To guarantee smooth communication and interoperability, Chennai Metro Rail Corporation intends to assume control of the Chennai Mass Rapid Transit System. The Indian Railways runs this network of elevated trains. 

Chennai Metro Routes

There are two main categories into which Chennai Metro routes can be placed.

• Blue Line and Green Line are operational lines
• Orange, Red, and Purple lines are under construction.

Chennai Metro Timings

The metro system in Chennai has made a substantial contribution to everyday commuter travel time reductions. Chennai Metro is now open from 4:30 AM to 11:00 PM. One train departs every 4-5 minutes during rush hour and every 15 minutes during off-peak hours. 

Chennai Metro: Fares

The fares on the Chennai metro system have been kept affordable, as it was established to assist the general public. The Chennai metro has a minimum fee of Rs. 10 and a maximum charge of Rs. 50. The passenger’s journey distance determines the fee.

Chennai Metro Ticketing – Token and Smart Cards

The Chennai Metro offers the following kinds of tickets:

Single Journey Tokens: Each voyage requires the purchase of a single journey token, which can be done at the ticket counter or by using the ticket vending machines found at each stop.

• A travel token can cost anything from Rs 30 to Rs 120. 
• Tickets for single and return trips can now be bought using the CMRL app. These tickets can be scanned by passengers utilising QR code ticket scanners that are stationed.

Stored or Smart Value Cards: Sometimes known as Smart Value Cards, are pre-paid, rechargeable travel cards that can be purchased at any ticket counter for Rs. 50 in addition to a refundable deposit.

• At each ticket counter or automated ticket vending machine found at every station, these cards can be refilled for a maximum of Rs 3000.
• The cost of a single travel ranges from Rs 24 to Rs 96 for SVC users, who enjoy a 20% fare reduction.

Trip Cards: Those who frequently go between the same two stations should use these cards. 20% off all fares are offered in three different types: 30 trips good for 30 days, 30 trips good for 90 days, and 60 trips good for 180 days.

Tourist Cards: With these cards, you can ride the Chennai Metro for free for a single day. After the card is returned, Rs 50 of the Rs 150 purchase price is reimbursed. This is for those who are short-term visitors to Chennai who intend to take the metro to get where they’re going.

QR Tickets: Several locations within stations have QR code boards available. Passengers can purchase tickets from the Chennai Metro Rail ticketing page by scanning the code. To pay for fares, you can use any digital payment method, such as UPI, net banking, credit/debit banking, etc. 

Singara Chennai Card: This card is offered through the NCMC programme in collaboration with SBI. This card has a 2000 rupee maximum storage capacity.

Chennai Metro Phase 2

A loan of Rs 450 crore is scheduled to be approved by the State Bank of India (SBI) for the Chennai Metro Phase 2 (Koyambedu to SIPCOT) project. Thirty train cars would be purchased with the remaining funds, of which 150 crore will be used for the Phase 2 construction project.

• This will be CMRL’s first collaboration with a commercial bank.
• This collaboration will contribute to the success of Phase 2 work.

Chennai Metro Phase 2: Funding

The Tamil Nadu government has announced that Rs 12,000 crore would go towards building Chennai Metro Phase 2. The money was approved for the 2024–2025 state budget.

Current Status of Chennai Metro Phase 2

Work on the Chennai Metro project’s Phase 2 is underway. To develop the metro infrastructure of the city, tunnelling construction has already started beneath the Adyar River, with tubes being excavated at a depth of about 18 metres. Furthermore, 

• The Corridor 5 project, which runs from Madhavaran to Sholinganallur, is being developed.
• Between the proposed Metro stations at Echankadu and Vellakal, track construction has started.
• Additionally, pier work along Corridor 5 is underway.
• There are elevated and subterranean sections in Corridor 5, with elevated sections progressing on rail from Madhavaran to Elcot.
• By the end of 2026, Corridor 5’s first operational stretch—which runs from Madhavaram to Retteri—should be completed.

Chennai Metro Rail is concentrating on finishing the construction between Poonamallee and Porur Junction in the interim. It is anticipated that operations will start by the end of 2025.

FAQs

In what ways is Chennai implementing the Chennai Metro Rail Project?

A Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) was established by the Tamil Nadu government to carry out the Chennai Metro Rail Project. Chennai Metro Rail Limited, an SPV, was incorporated on December 3, 2007, by the Companies Act. It is presently a joint venture with equal equity holdings owned by the governments of Tamil Nadu and India.

Is it a project of the federal government or the state government?

The governments of Tamil Nadu and India have an equal equity stake in this joint venture project. On November 7, 2007, the Tamil Nadu government gave its permission in principle for the two initial routes. On January 28, 2009, the Indian government gave its approval to the Chennai Metro Rail project.

What are Chennai Metro Rail Limited’s email address and web address?

Website address: www.chennaimetrorail.gov.in

E-mail address: chennaimetrorail@gmail.com