Chennai Metro Travel Cards Discontinued from May 1 - Shift to NCMC Announced
In a major move towards digital and unified ticketing, Chennai Metro Rail Limited has announced that traditional travel cards will be completely discontinued from May 1, 2026. Commuters in Chennai will now be required to use the Singara Chennai Card, also known as the National Common Mobility Card, for metro travel.
The NCMC, introduced in April 2023, has already gained wide acceptance among passengers for seamless commuting across metro services. Over the past year, CMRL had gradually phased out the older closed-loop travel cards by stopping new issuance and recharge options, paving the way for a full transition.
Passengers holding old travel cards are advised to transfer their remaining balance to a QR-based Stored Value Pass (SVP) using the CMRL Mobile App or switch directly to the NCMC for continued access to metro services and parking facilities.
Additionally, CMRL had earlier discontinued tourist travel cards in January 2025, which were popular among visitors for unlimited rides over one-day and 30-day durations.
This transition is part of a broader initiative to implement a unified, interoperable transport payment system, enhancing convenience and reducing dependency on multiple ticketing formats for daily commuters and tourists alike.
