Chennai Metro Rail Information
The Chennai Metro Rail is a rapid transit system that commenced operations on 29 June 2010 in Chennai, Tamil Nadu.Part of Phase 1 of the metro system is operational and the rest is under construction. Currently a 10 km line serving 7 stations, Phase 1 of the metro system has 2 more lines planned to serve 42 more stations. When completed, the network will be 45 km long. The system is operated by CMRL and will be UITP accredited in 2011.
Chennai Metro Rail Map
Map of Chennai Metro showing different lines and stations. Click on the map to enlarge it or download the Yerevan Metro map in PDF format.
Chennai Metro Rail Timings, Frequency and Schedule
The metro service starts at 6:00 in the morning and runs until 22:00 at night on weekdays. On Sundays the metro starts a little later at 8:00 in the morning and runs until 22:00 at night. Between 08:30-10:30 in the morning and 17:00-20:00 in the evening/night on weekdays, the rush hour is at its peak. During these peak times, the interval between two trains is 10 minutes. At all other times the headway is 15 minutes.
Chennai Metro Rail Stations
Services on the Green Line of Chennai Metro Rail have commenced between Koyambedu and Alandur. At present, the service has started for the following stations:
- Koyambedu
- CMBT
- Arumbakkam
- Vadapalani
- Ashok Nagar
- Ekkattuthangal
- Alandur
Chennai Metro Rail Fares, Tickets and Cards
Passengers have the option of purchasing a prepaid card. The initial stored value in the card is Rs 50. An additional Rs 50 can also be added, but this is subject to refund. The minimum amount that can be recharged on the card is Rs 100 and the maximum is Rs 3000. The number of trips you can make depends on how much you use. The advantage of having a store card is that you get a 10% discount on the normal fare on every journey.
For tourists there is a special tourist card which is valid for one day. It costs Rs 150, of which Rs 50 is refundable. The card allows unlimited travel for the day.
Chennai Metro Rail Lines
As part of the first phase, two metro lines are under construction.
Line | Terminal 1 | Terminal 2 | Interchange |
Blue Line | Washermanpet | Chennai International Airport | Suburban,MRTS, 2 |
Blue Line Extension (Under Construction) |
Washermanpet | Wimco Nagar | North, West North, West South |
Green Line | Chennai Central | St Thomas Mount | Suburban,MRTS, 1 |
Chennai Metro Rail Parking
Park and Ride facilities are available at 6 stations:
- Koyambedu
- Arumbakkam
- Vadapalani
- Ashok Nagar
- Ekkattuthangal
- Alandur.
Parking is at the owner’s risk and there is no refund of parking charges.
Chennai Metro Rail Rules and Tips
It is advisable to carry luggage weighing no more than 15 kg and measuring no more than 60 cm long x 45 cm wide x 25 cm high. When using the escalator, stand on the left and give way immediately after use.
Your ticket or pass must be with you at all times and each ticket/pass is for one person only. The yellow line on the platform should not be crossed for safety reasons. Pets are not allowed on the premises of the Metro network. Knives, firearms and smoking are prohibited. Eating and drinking are not allowed in stations or on trains.