CHENNAI (Metro Rail News): Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) reported its highest monthly ridership ever in July 2026, with over 1.06 crore passenger journeys. The network also saw an average daily ridership of 3.42 lakh, the second-highest since commercial operations started.
The latest figures indicate steady growth in passenger numbers. But, the Metro still operates well below the ridership numbers expected in its Detailed Project Report (DPR).
Chennai Metro hits new monthly ridership milestone
According to Chennai Metro Rail, 1,06,23,764 passengers used the network in July 2026, making it the highest monthly ridership recorded so far. The average daily ridership for the month reached 3,42,702 passengers. This strong performance shows a steady rise in Metro usage across the city.
The weekly brief metro & rail professionals read.
- Total ridership in July 2026: 1,06,23,764 passengers
- Average daily ridership: 3,42,702 passengers
- Second-highest daily average since operations began
- Previous monthly record: 1,04,68,732 passengers in July 2025
- Highest-ever daily average: 3,43,503 passengers in February 2026
Ridership remains below DPR projections
Despite the record numbers, Chennai Metro is still carrying far fewer passengers than originally planned. In response to a question from AIADMK Rajya Sabha MP Dhanapal, Minister of State for Housing and Urban Affairs Tokhan Sahu reported to Parliament that the 54 km Chennai Metro Phase I and Phase I Extension have been running since February 2019 and March 2022, respectively. The project cost ₹22,149.92 crore.
According to the Ministry, the Detailed Project Report predicted a daily ridership of 15.69 lakh passengers in 2026 for the operational corridors. But, the Metro is currently seeing an actual average daily ridership of around 3.14 lakh passengers, which is only about 20% of the expected level.
Project Timeline
- February 2019: Chennai Metro Phase I became operational.
- March 2022: Phase I Extension opened for passenger services.
- July 2025: Monthly ridership reached a record 1.04 crore passengers.
- July 2026: Monthly ridership crossed 1.06 crore for the first time.
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