Archive · 27 Jul 2025
Chennai Metro Discontinues Old Cards; Transition to New System
Chennai Metro is changing how people pay.
Starting August 1, you can't add money to the old metro cards.
Instead, everyone will get a new card called the Singara Chennai Card.
This new card works with different types of transportation, like buses and tolls, so you don't need multiple cards.
The old cards are still good until you use up all the money on them.
After that, you swap it for the new card for free, and your money moves over.
You can also still use your phone to get tickets.
Chennai Metro will discontinue recharging old smart cards from August 1.
Passengers will be issued the new Singara Chennai Card, based on the National Common Mobility Card (NCMC), at no extra cost.
Old cards remain valid until their balance is used, then must be exchanged.
The Singara Chennai Card, introduced in April 2023, is a single payment solution for various transport modes.
Digital options like QR code tickets will still be available for commuters.
- Who
- Chennai Metro commuters.
- What
- Chennai Metro is switching to a new card system and discontinuing recharges for old smart cards.
- When
- Starting August 1.
- Where
- Chennai Metro stations.
- Why
- To implement the Singara Chennai Card, a single payment solution for multiple transport modes.
Customers
CMRL
Convenience vs. Adaptation
Customers
Customers might be inconvenienced by the change and need to learn a new system.
CMRL
Customers will benefit from the convenience of a single card for multiple transport options.
- New Card Name
- Singara Chennai Card
- Old Card Recharge Ends
- August 1
- NCMC Compliant
- Yes
- Card Exchange Cost
- Free
- Digital Ticket Options
- QR code-based tickets through mobile apps