Chennai Metro Rail is a vital part of the city’s public transit. It runs on the Blue and Green lines, making it easy and affordable to get around. The metro operates from early morning to late at night, so it’s always there when you need it.
This system cuts down on traffic and offers a dependable choice besides driving. Overall, it improves how people move around in the city. These changes are exciting, but they also make us think about the future of travel in a busy city like Chennai. How will these improvements meet the increasing needs of this expanding city?
Chennai Metro Routes
Operational lines: Blue Line 1 and Green Line 2
Chennai’s Metro system includes Blue Line 1 and Green Line 2, both of which improve travel across the city. Blue Line 1 runs from Wimco Nagar to the Airport and spans 45 km.
Green Line 2 links Chennai Central with St. Thomas Mount, covering 22 km. The two lines meet at Alandur station. They include both elevated and underground sections, making the journey smoother.
Under Construction lines: Purple Line 3, Orange Line 4, Red Line 5
The Chennai Metro Rail is growing. They’re currently working on three new lines: Purple Line 3, Orange Line 4, and Red Line 5. These additions will make it easier to get around the city, help cut down on traffic, and give people more travel options. Once these lines are done, getting around Chennai will be a lot smoother for everyone, whether you live here or are just visiting.
Chennai Metro Map and Timings
Operational timings
Chennai Metro runs every day from 6:50 AM to 10:55 PM and covers much of the city. This means you can always find a way to get around, no matter the time.
During busy times, trains come often, every few minutes. This helps everyone, whether you’re going to work or just out for a ride. It’s a popular way to travel across the busy city of Chennai.
Chennai Metro Timings
| Station Name | First Train (Weekdays) | Last Train (Weekdays) | First Train (Weekends) | Last Train (Weekends) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Airport | 05:00 AM | 11:00 PM | 05:30 AM | 11:00 PM |
| Washermanpet | 05:00 AM | 11:00 PM | 05:30 AM | 11:00 PM |
| Chennai Central | 05:10 AM | 11:10 PM | 05:40 AM | 11:10 PM |
| Egmore | 05:15 AM | 11:15 PM | 05:45 AM | 11:15 PM |
| Saidapet | 05:20 AM | 11:20 PM | 05:50 AM | 11:20 PM |
| Guindy | 05:25 AM | 11:25 PM | 05:55 AM | 11:25 PM |
| Alandur | 05:30 AM | 11:30 PM | 06:00 AM | 11:30 PM |
| Vadapalani | 05:35 AM | 11:35 PM | 06:05 AM | 11:35 PM |
| Koyambedu | 05:40 AM | 11:40 PM | 06:10 AM | 11:40 PM |
| Arumbakkam | 05:45 AM | 11:45 PM | 06:15 AM | 11:45 PM |
| Shenoy Nagar | 05:50 AM | 11:50 PM | 06:20 AM | 11:50 PM |
| Thirumangalam | 05:55 AM | 11:55 PM | 06:25 AM | 11:55 PM |
| Anna Nagar Tower | 06:00 AM | 12:00 AM | 06:30 AM | 12:00 AM |
| Anna Nagar East | 06:05 AM | 12:05 AM | 06:35 AM | 12:05 AM |
| Kilpauk Medical College | 06:10 AM | 12:10 AM | 06:40 AM | 12:10 AM |
| Nehru Park | 06:15 AM | 12:15 AM | 06:45 AM | 12:15 AM |
| Chennai Egmore | 06:20 AM | 12:20 AM | 06:50 AM | 12:20 AM |
| High Court | 06:25 AM | 12:25 AM | 06:55 AM | 12:25 AM |
| Washermanpet | 06:30 AM | 12:30 AM | 07:00 AM | 12:30 AM |
| Little Mount | 05:00 AM | 11:00 PM | 05:30 AM | 11:00 PM |
| OTA | 05:05 AM | 11:05 PM | 05:35 AM | 11:05 PM |
| Meenambakkam | 05:10 AM | 11:10 PM | 05:40 AM | 11:10 PM |
| Nanganallur Road | 05:15 AM | 11:15 PM | 05:45 AM | 11:15 PM |
| Ekkatuthangal | 05:20 AM | 11:20 PM | 05:50 AM | 11:20 PM |
| Ashok Nagar | 05:25 AM | 11:25 PM | 05:55 AM | 11:25 PM |
| Ashok Pillar | 05:30 AM | 11:30 PM | 06:00 AM | 11:30 PM |
| St. Thomas Mount | 05:35 AM | 11:35 PM | 06:05 AM | 11:35 PM |
| CMBT | 05:40 AM | 11:40 PM | 06:10 AM | 11:40 PM |
| Arignar Anna Alandur | 05:45 AM | 11:45 PM | 06:15 AM | 11:45 PM |
| Nehru Stadium | 05:50 AM | 11:50 PM | 06:20 AM | 11:50 PM |
| AG-DMS | 05:55 AM | 11:55 PM | 06:25 AM | 11:55 PM |
| LIC | 06:00 AM | 12:00 AM | 06:30 AM | 12:00 AM |
Map of Chennai Metro routes
The Chennai Metro map shows two main routes. The Blue Line runs from Wimco Nagar to the Airport, and the Green Line links Chennai Central with St. Thomas Mount.
They meet at Alandur, which helps people get around the city quickly. Both routes have parts that go underground and elevated, making travel across the town smoother.
| Route | Key Stations |
|---|---|
| Blue Line (Line 1) | Washermanpet, Mannadi, High Court, Chennai Central, Government Estate, LIC, Thousand Lights, AG-DMS, Teynampet, Nandanam, Saidapet, Little Mount, Guindy, Alandur, Nanganallur Road, Meenambakkam, Airport |
| Green Line (Line 2) | Chennai Central, Egmore, Nehru Park, Kilpauk, Pachaiyappa’s College, Shenoy Nagar, Anna Nagar East, Anna Nagar Tower, Thirumangalam, Koyambedu, CMBT, Arumbakkam, Vadapalani, Ashok Nagar, Ekkatuthangal, Alandur, St. Thomas Mount |
| Phase 1 Extension | Washermanpet, Sir Theagaraya College, Thiruvotriyur Theradi, Wimco Nagar, Wimco Nagar Depot |
| Upcoming Phase 2 | Madhavaram Milk Colony, Murari Hospital, Retteri, Kolathur, Srinivasa Nagar, Villivakkam, Korattur, Thirumangalam, Anna Nagar West, Padi, Thirunindravur, Avadi, Pattabiram Military Siding, Hindu College, Pattabiram, Tiruvallur |
Fare and Updates
Ticket pricing and purchase methods
The cost of a ticket for the Chennai Metro depends on how far you’re going. Prices start at Rs. 10 and go up to Rs. 60.
You can buy tickets at the station, from a machine, or on their official app. If you ride the metro often, consider getting a smart card. It’s easy — just tap the card at the gate and go. Plus, you’ll save some money with lower fares.
Latest news and updates on Chennai Metro
Let’s discuss what’s new with the Chennai Metro’s ticketing and fares. To attract more riders, they’ve dropped their prices during less busy times.
Also, they’ve rolled out some handy contactless payment options. Now, you can just tap your digital wallet or card to breeze through the stations. It’s all about making your trip smoother and quicker.
Conclusion
The Chennai Metro, including the Blue Line 1 and Green Line 2, is essential for getting around Chennai. It stretches across 67 km and connects many parts of the city. It runs every day from early morning until late at night. The metro is affordable and convenient, making trips easier with features like contactless payments. Looking ahead, we can expect even more improvements that will make the metro better and more integrated into the daily routines of people in Chennai.
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Deepak Sharma is a passionate writer and avid traveler who specializes in uncovering the beauty and history of India’s attractions and temples. A graduate of Delhi University, Deepak has a deep-rooted love for his country and its rich cultural heritage.