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Chennai Metro Rail has become an important part of the city's transport system, carrying more than 46.7 crore passengers since it started operations in 2015. Although passenger numbers fell during the Covid-19 pandemic, the metro has clearly shifted from being just an additional travel option to becoming a daily necessity
for a large number of working people in Chennai.
Recent Performance of Chennai Metro
The growing importance of the metro is reflected in its recent performance. In 2025, Chennai Metro recorded its highest-ever annual ridership, with 11.19 crore passengers using the service. This is the biggest passenger count since metro services began and shows how strongly people now depend on it for regular travel.
Expansion of Metro Network
Passenger numbers have increased along with the expansion of the metro network and changes in the city's economic activity. From its launch on June 29, 2015, until the end of 2018, Chennai Metro carried around 2.8 crore passengers. The numbers rose significantly in 2019, when ridership crossed 3.28 crore, showing steady growth in usage.
Metro Ridership Decreased During COVID-19
However, the situation changed drastically in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Nationwide lockdowns and work-from-home arrangements brought travel almost to a halt, and metro ridership dropped sharply to 1.18 crore passengers for the year. This was the lowest level since operations began.
In 2021, passenger numbers started to recover as restrictions were gradually eased. Even though the second wave of COVID-19 caused temporary disruptions, ridership improved to 2.53 crore passengers, indicating a slow but steady return of commuters to public transport.
