Seven Chennai Metro Stations Still Waiting for Ticket Vending Machines

It’s a scene you’ll recognize if you travel the Poonamallee‑Vadapalani stretch of Chennai’s metro: the buzz of the train, the chatter of commuters, and – oddly – a handful of ticket counters that look like they’ve been left behind by a bygone era. While most of the system now sports sleek, self‑service ticket vending machines (TVMs), seven stations along this busy corridor are still waiting for their turn.

The stations in question – Poonamallee, Tiruvottiyur, Vadapalani, Koyambedu, Alandur, Ashok Nagar and Thirumangalam – have all been earmarked for TVM installation since the metro’s expansion plan was unveiled two years ago. Yet, as of the latest count, the machines remain absent, forcing commuters to stand in line at manned counters or scramble for the few remaining paper tickets.

For regular riders, the inconvenience is more than a minor annoyance. “I’ve got to buy a ticket every morning, and the queues at the counter are always long during rush hour,” says Ravi, a daily commuter from Poonamallee. “If there were machines, I could just tap my card or get a quick token and be on my way.”

Metro officials acknowledge the delay. In a recent press briefing, the Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) spokesperson explained that the procurement process for the machines, coupled with site‑specific challenges like space constraints and power supply upgrades, has slowed things down. “We are actively working with vendors to fast‑track the installation,” the spokesperson assured, adding that a phased rollout is expected to begin within the next two months.

Meanwhile, the rest of the network – from Airport to Guindy – has already embraced the convenience of TVMs. Those stations showcase touch‑screen interfaces, QR‑code scanning, and even cash‑less payment options, streamlining the journey for thousands of passengers each day.

City planners argue that the lack of TVMs at the seven stations could hamper the broader goal of encouraging public transport use. “When people face hassles at the ticket counter, they’re less likely to choose the metro over private vehicles,” notes transportation analyst Priya Menon. “Uniform access to quick, self‑service options is key to keeping the system attractive.”

As Chennai continues to grow and traffic congestion worsens, the pressure mounts for a seamless metro experience. The hope among commuters is that the promised machines will arrive soon, turning those lingering queues into a thing of the past.