The Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) has announced that it will fully switch from the existing CMRL Travel Card to the National Common Mobility Card (NCMC), known as the Singara Chennai Card, starting August 1, 2025. This move is part of efforts to provide a seamless, unified travel experience for metro passengers in line with the Government of Indiaās āOne Nation, One Cardā initiative.The Singara Chennai Card was first introduced on April 14, 2023, and has been offered alongside the traditional CMRL Travel Card since then. From August 1, top-up facilities for the old CMRL Travel Card will be discontinued at all 41 metro stations across Chennai. However, commuters can continue to use their old cards until the balance is fully used. Once the remaining balance falls below Rs. 50, they are encouraged to return the card at any metro ticket counter. In exchange, they will receive a Singara Chennai Card free of cost. The unused balance and refundable deposit from the old card will be transferred to the new one.
The Singara Chennai Card is an upgraded smart card that allows for travel not only on Chennai Metro but also across other public transport systems that support NCMC, offering greater flexibility and convenience to commuters. The card is also expected to support payments in parking areas, retail stores, and buses in the near future.
Other ticketing methods such as QR code-based tickets and single journey tokens will remain available with no changes. Passengers can continue to use these options based on their convenience.
CMRL has appealed to all commuters to cooperate with the upgrade and take advantage of the improved travel system. The metro authority has assured passengers that support will be provided at stations to ensure a smooth transition from the old card to the new Singara Chennai Card.