Chennai Metro Rail Completes 10 Years: 46.73 Crore Passengers Travelled So Far
Amid the ever-growing traffic congestion in Chennai, Metro Rail services—next only to suburban trains - have emerged as a vital mode of fast and reliable public transportation. Especially during festivals, weekends, and holidays, when roads witness heavy vehicular movement and people travel in large numbers to bus stands, railway stations, and the airport, Chennai Metro has proven to be a dependable solution for hassle-free commuting.
Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL), which commenced operations on 29 June 2015, has completed 10 years of service, marking a significant milestone in the city’s public transport history. Over this decade, an impressive 46.73 crore passengers have travelled on Chennai Metro trains up to 31 December 2025.
Passenger Growth Over the Years
CMRL has witnessed consistent growth in ridership, despite temporary setbacks during the COVID-19 pandemic. The year-wise passenger statistics are as follows:
29 June 2015 – 31 December 2018: 2,80,52,357 passengers
1 January 2019 – 31 December 2019: 3,28,13,628 passengers
1 January 2020 – 31 December 2020: 1,18,56,982 passengers
(Services affected due to COVID-19 lockdown from March to September 2020)
1 January 2021 – 31 December 2021: 2,53,03,383 passengers(Lockdown during May–June 2021)
1 January 2022 – 31 December 2022: 6,09,87,765 passengers
1 January 2023 – 31 December 2023: 9,11,02,957 passengers
1 January 2024 – 31 December 2024: 10,52,43,721 passengers
1 January 2025 – 31 December 2025: 11,19,80,687 passengers
Notably, 2025 alone recorded a historic 11.19 crore passengers, the highest annual ridership since inception, underlining Chennai Metro’s growing importance as the city’s transport lifeline.
Affordable and Digital-Friendly Travel
To encourage public transport usage, CMRL offers a 20% discount on ticketing services such as:
- NCMC Cards
- Digital QR tickets via WhatsApp (+91 83000 86000), Paytm, PhonePe
- Store Value Pass available exclusively on the CMRL Mobile App
(The discount does not apply to single-journey paper QR tickets purchased at station counters.)
A Lifeline for Chennai
Since its inception, Chennai Metro Rail Limited has been providing safe, reliable, and efficient transportation for the general public, including government and private sector employees. With ongoing expansion projects aimed at connecting more parts of the city, CMRL continues to strengthen Chennai’s urban mobility network.
CMRL has expressed its gratitude to passengers for accepting Chennai Metro as their preferred mode of transport, for maintaining metro premises responsibly, and for theieir continued support.
CMRL wishes all its passengers a very Happy New Year 2026.
