Chennai Metro Records Over 1 Crore Passenger Trips in September 2026

Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) recorded 1,00,26,601 passenger trips in September 2026, crossing the one-crore mark for the third consecutive month and the fourth time in 2026.

According to data released by CMRL, September was the first time the metro network recorded more than one crore passenger trips in four separate months within a calendar year, indicating continued public use of Chennai Metro services.

Chennai Metro Monthly Ridership in 2026

Although September`s passenger count was lower than the figures recorded in July and August, the average daily ridership remained relatively consistent.

The monthly ridership figures were:

March 2026: 1,01,84,419 passenger trips, with an average daily ridership of 3,28,529.

July 2026: 1,06,28,926 passenger trips, with an average daily ridership of 3,42,868.

August 2026: 1,04,04,098 passenger trips, with an average daily ridership of 3,35,616.

September 2026: 1,00,26,601 passenger trips, with an average daily ridership of 3,34,220.

The highest single-day passenger footfall in September was recorded on September 11, when 3,93,580 passengers travelled by Chennai Metro.

Singara Chennai Card Leads Ticketing Usage

Card-based and digital ticketing services accounted for a substantial share of Chennai Metro journeys in September.

The National Common Mobility Card (NCMC), also known as the Singara Chennai Card, recorded the highest usage, with 51.95 lakh passenger journeys. Single-journey paper QR tickets purchased at ticket counters accounted for 18.82 lakh journeys.

Other ticketing methods recorded the following passenger journeys:

ONDC: 12.33 lakh

WhatsApp ticketing: 4.34 lakh

Chennai One App: 3.12 lakh

Paytm: 2.92 lakh

PhonePe: 2.14 lakh

Static QR tickets at stations: 1.99 lakh

Online ticketing: 1.46 lakh

CMRL Mobile App Stored Value Pass (SVP): 1.16 lakh

These options allow passengers to choose from travel cards, QR tickets, mobile applications and online booking services.

Chennai Metro Offers 20% Discount on Selected Ticketing Options

CMRL offers a 20% discount on eligible ticketing services, including the NCMC Singara Chennai Card and digital QR tickets purchased through WhatsApp, Paytm and PhonePe.

The discount also applies to the digital Stored V Value Pass available through the CMRL Mobile App. However, single-journey paper QR tickets purchased at ticket counters are not eligible for the discount.

Passengers who regularly use Chennai Metro can consider eligible card-based and digital ticketing options to save on travel expenses.

Chennai Metro Continues to Record High Ridership

Despite a slight decline in monthly passenger trips compared with July and August, Chennai Metro crossed the one-crore mark again in September 2026.

The continued ridership milestone and substantial use of digital ticketing services highlight the role of Chennai Metro in daily commuting across the city.