Chennai Metro Phase II: Seven stations on Poonamallee-Vadapalani stretch await ticket vending machines

While major infrastructure is ready for the upcoming launch of Corridor 4, a critical delay in installing essential ticketing hardware could hinder passenger convenience.

As the Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) gears up for the highly anticipated inauguration of the Phase II stretch from Poonamallee to Vadapalani, a logistical gap has emerged. While the 14.6-km segment—a vital limb of Corridor 4—is structurally complete and ready for operations, seven out of the 11 stations along this line are still waiting for the installation of Ticket Vending Machines (TVM) and card readers.

These machines are more than just a convenience; they are a bridge for commuters who prefer purchasing paper QR tickets or recharging their National Common Mobility Cards (NCMC) without waiting at manned counters. Despite the push for digital payments, data from the last five months indicates that nearly 20% of the passenger base still relies on single-journey paper QR tickets or tokens, underscoring the necessity of these machines for everyday transit.

Addressing past technical hurdles

The delay comes with a backdrop of skepticism from frequent commuters. In the existing 54-km network covering Phase I and its extensions, TVMs have historically faced significant operational challenges. Users have frequently reported frustrations with cash acceptance, failures in dispensing exact change, and sporadic card-reading errors. These persistent snags often rendered the machines unusable, forcing passengers back into long queues at manual ticket windows.

Industry observers and transit insiders suggest that the pressure is now on CMRL to ensure the new hardware avoids the pitfalls of its predecessors. The reliance on these machines is expected to be high, and there is a growing concern that any technical instability at the onset of the new stretch could lead to immediate congestion at station entry points.

Timeline for completion

According to project officials, the rollout is currently in progress, with four of the 11 stations already equipped with the necessary ticketing infrastructure. The remaining machines are expected to be delivered within the week, with an official mandate to have every unit operational by the end of June.

For the time being, passengers planning to use the Poonamallee-Vadapalani stretch will need to rely on the NCMC or mobile-based QR code tickets. While the city continues its aggressive push toward a fully digital transit ecosystem, the reliance on physical, machine-dispensed tickets remains a reality that CMRL must manage carefully to ensure the smooth integration of this new Phase II corridor into the existing urban transit map.