Metro services are one of India’s most convenient and hassle-free public transportation facilities. It is fast, comfortable, and affordable as well. Metro authorities continue to take necessary steps to enhance commuting experiences for passengers. Recently, Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) decided to discontinue issuing new travel cards in all metro stations. Continue reading to know more about this announcement.
Chennai Metro Rail Limited Will Stop Issuing New Travel Cards
According to several CMRL sources, the metro operator will stop issuing travel cards from April 2025. Also known as store value cards, these will be discontinued at all metro stations in Chennai. In addition, a CMRL official stated that they will stop issuing top-ups. The primary reason behind this decision is the National Common Mobility Card (NCMC) system implemented in April 2023.
More commuters are making a transition to NCMC and it is picking up pace very rapidly. Passengers can easily use the advanced technology and faster payment system with this card. As of now, CMRL stopped the process of issuing these new cards and top-ups in existing cards in a total of 11 metro stations. This rule was implemented in January.
According to a report by DT Next, the new decision by CMRL will be brought into effect in a phased manner. To implement it in 41 metro stations, the entire method will take some time. Till now, these metro stations in Chennai have discontinued issuing store value cards:
- Egmore
- Kaladipet
- Kilpauk
- Little Mount
- Meenambakkam
- Nandanam
- New Washermenpet
- OTA-Nanganallur
- Shenoy Nagar
- Tiruvottiyur Theradi
Also read: Commuters Can Book Tickets For Chennai Metro & Kochi Metro Using Google Maps; Here’s How
What About The Remaining Amount Of These Cards?
Commuters can easily use the left balance paid for these cards. Passengers will get NCMC after returning their travel cards. With this, the remaining amount will be refunded as well.
It has been some time since CMRL has been planning to stop any new steps related to these travel cards or store value cards. In the past, several deadlines were kept to cease issuing the older cards. And, now the authorities are taking steps to completely discontinue these cards by putting an end to the topping up and issuing procedures.
What are your views on this decision?
Cover Image Courtesy: Wikimedia Commons
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