Seven stations in Poonamallee-Vadapalani stretch yet to get Ticket Vending Machines

The TVMs in CMRL’s phase I network. They can be used to recharge the National Common Mobility Card cards or buy a paper QR ticket.

| Photo Credit: RAGU R.

The Chennai Metro Rail is yet to complete the installation of Ticket Vending Machines (TVM) and Card Readers in the phase II stretch from Poonamallee to Vadapalani.Even as the stretch awaits inauguration and work on almost all the facilities has been completed, these two amenities are yet to be installed in some stations along this stretch.Eleven stations from Poonamallee to Vadapalani — a 14.6-km stretch that is a part of the phase II project’s corridor 4 (Poonamallee to Light House) — are ready for operation.Those preferring to commute from these station can purchase a National Common Mobility Card (NCMC) or a mobile/paper QR code ticket.The Ticket Vending Machines help commuters recharge their NCMC cards or get a paper QR ticket, while Card Readers show their balance.The TVMs still hold relevance in Chennai Metro Rail stations as many commuters, especially one-time travellers, purchase paper QR tickets for their journey. Data show that in the last five months, 19%-21% of those travelling in Chennai Metro Rail trains bought single journey paper QR tickets or tokens.According to officials of the Chennai Metro Rail Limited, the TVMs have been installed in four of the 11 stations so far. “The remaining machines will be delivered in a week, and fixed before the end of June,” an official said.It is to be noted that the TVMs in the 54-km phase I and phase I extension network were barely used owing to a host of problems such as issues with cash acceptance and change dispensation, non-acceptance of cards, and snags.“Since the TVMs in the phase I network weren’t helpful on many occasions, commuters were forced to stand in queues at the counter. Such issues shouldn’t occur in the new machines. But it is sad that even after all these months, the machines have still not been installed in the Poonamallee-Vadapalani stretch,” a source said. Published - June 07, 2026 12:02 am IST