Chennai: The Chennai Metro Rail administration has introduced a new policy stating that passengers will no longer be issued the older QR-based travel cards;
instead, only the “Singara Chennai Card” will be distributed henceforth. This initiative has been undertaken as part of the Central Government’s ‘One Nation, One Card’ scheme, aimed at integrating public transportation services across the country onto a single unified card.
What is the Singara Chennai Card?
The Singara Chennai Card, officially known as the National Common Mobility Card (NCMC), will now be the only travel card issued to passengers seeking to purchase new cards. With this card, passengers can access not only the Chennai Metro but also city buses, suburban trains, and Metro services in other cities across India. Additionally, the card offers the convenience of being used to make purchases at select commercial establishments and to pay for parking fees.
What about existing QR cards?
Passengers who currently possess the older type of travel cards need not be concerned. As long as there is a balance remaining on existing cards, they may continue to use them for travel as usual. No official announcement has been issued declaring these older cards invalid. However, should passengers encounter difficulties in recharging these older cards, or once the existing balance has been fully depleted, they are advised to surrender the old card at any station and obtain a new Singara Chennai Card.
Exchange facilities available
Facilities for exchanging old cards for new ones have been established at all Metro stations. Officials note that this eliminates the need for passengers to carry separate cards for each specific service, thereby resolving the inconvenience of managing multiple cards. Through this decision, the Metro administration anticipates that the older card types will be gradually phased out of circulation, and all passengers will eventually transition to using these modern, technology-enabled cards.
No changes to QR tickets and mobile App travel
It is important to note that there have been no changes to the current procedures for purchasing QR tickets and traveling via the mobile app or WhatsApp. This new protocol applies specifically to those who travel using physical travel cards.
Positive response
While holders of old cards may continue to use them until their functionality is discontinued, the Metro administration has stated that switching early to the Singara Chennai Card—which offers additional features—will make commuting even more convenient. This announcement by Chennai Metro has received a tremendous response from passengers.
