Chennai Metro Rail Corporation (CMRL) will discontinue the usage of old metro cards from August 1. A new system will be implemented, with the Singara Chennai Card replacing the existing cards. Commuters will not be able to recharge old cards from the specified date. The Singara Chennai Card, based on the National Common Mobility Card (NCMC) standard, will be the only accepted method for top-ups at all 41 metro stations in Chennai. Old cards with remaining balances can be used until the balance is zero. Once the balance is below ₹50, the cards need to be surrendered at the ticket counter of any metro station and will be rendered unusable. A new Singara Card will then be provided at no extra cost, with the balance and deposit from the old card transferred. The Singara card, introduced in 2023, complies with the NCMC guidelines established by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, functioning as a single payment method for various transportation modes, including buses, metro, and toll booths. CMRL will establish help desks at every metro station to facilitate the transition. Digital ticketing through mobile apps using QR codes will remain unaffected.
