Chennai, Feb 20 :In line with the series of new announcements

being made almost on a daily basis for the benefit of people of Tamil

Nadu, Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami on Saturday announced

reduction in fares of Chennai Metro Rail Project to make it even more

affordable.

The reduced fares would come into effect from February 22, he said

in a statement here.

He said the Metro Rail fares were being reduced based on the request

made by the public to make it more affordable.

Stating that the Metro Rail services have successfully completed five

years of operation and has stepped into the sixth year, Mr Palaniswami

said so far 7.25 crore passengers have made use of the Metro Rail

services which was launched on June 29, 2015.

According to the new fares, there would be no change in fares for the

first two kms which would remain at Rs 10.

He said Rs 20 will be charged for 2 to 5 kms (earlier 2-4 km), Rs 30 for

5 to 12 kms (earlier Rs 30 for 4-6 km and Rs 40 for 6-12 km), Rs 40 for

12 to 21 kms (earlier Rs 50 for 12-18 km) and Rs 50 for 21-32 kms

(earlier Rs 60 for 18-24 km and Rs 70 for 25 km and above).

Apart from the regular fares, Mr Palaniswami also said that 20 per cent

concession would be given in the basic fare to those who use the QR

code and contactless card system of the Metro Rail.

“The one day pass of Rs 100 which is used for the present 45 km Phase-I

could also be used for the newly inaugurated 9 km stretch as well–at the

same rate for the entire stretch of 54 kms,” he said.

He also said that the monthly pass of Rs 2,500 can also be used to travel

in the existing and the newly inaugurated stretch–total 54 kms.

He also said that there will be 50 per cent discount in fares for those who

take the Metro Rail on Sunday and other government holidays.

“Public are requested to make use of the fare reduction and travel hassle

free in metro rails,” he said.

It may be recalled that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had on February 14

inaugurated the Chennai Metro Rail Phase-I extension services, completed

at a cost of Rs 3,770 crore, and commissioned the passenger services from

Washermenpet to Wimco Nagar.

The 9.05 km long extension would link North Chennai with the Airport and

Central Railway Station.

The foundation stone for the Phase II of Metro Rail covering 118.9 kms at

a cost of Rs 63,246 crore was laid by Union Home Minister Amit Shah in

November, 2020. (UNI)