The Chennai Metro Rail Corporation (CMRL) has declared that old metro cards will be phased out starting August 1st. This change will see the introduction of the Singara Chennai Card, replacing the older system. Recharging of old cards will cease from the specified date. The Singara Chennai Card, adhering to the National Common Mobility Card (NCMC) format, will be the only accepted card for top-ups at all 41 Chennai metro stations. Passengers can continue using old cards until their balance is used up. When the balance falls below ₹50, the old cards need to be surrendered at any metro station ticket counter. The surrendered cards will no longer function, and a new Singara Card will be issued without any charges. The balance and any security deposit from the old card will be transferred to the new one automatically. The Singara card, launched in 2023, complies with NCMC standards set by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, allowing it to serve as a single payment method across various transport systems such as buses, metro, and toll booths. CMRL plans to set up help desks at all stations to support commuters during this switch. Digital services, such as QR code-based ticketing via mobile apps, will not be impacted by this change.
