Chennai to launch 25-Year Mobility Plan with Unified QR Ticketing and One-App Transit System

Chennai, India (Urban Transport News): In a landmark move set to revolutionize urban mobility, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin is expected to unveil a 25-year Comprehensive Mobility Plan (CMP) for the Chennai Metropolitan Area, along with the launch of an integrated QR-code-based ticketing system and the Chennai One Mobility App next week.

These announcements will be made during the second governing board meeting of the Chennai Unified Metropolitan Transport Authority (CUMTA) at the State Secretariat, as confirmed by official sources.

A Bold Vision for Chennai 2048

Covering a massive 5,904 sq km, the CMP lays out a strategic roadmap for 2048, envisioning an “integrated, seamless, safe, and sustainable transport ecosystem” for Chennai. The long-term plan will:

• Increase the modal share of public transport

• Promote non-motorized transport (NMT) like walking and cycling

• Lower vehicular emissions and reduce dependency on private vehicles

• Ensure last-mile connectivity and affordable travel options for all

Metro, bus, suburban rail, and para-transit services will be synchronised under one comprehensive transport strategy.

'One City, One Ticket': India’s First Fully-Integrated QR Code System

One of the most awaited initiatives is the unified QR-code-based ticketing system that will enable commuters to seamlessly switch between metro trains, MTC buses, and suburban trains using a single digital ticket.

This "One City, One Ticket" concept is a first-of-its-kind in India, offering:

• Contactless payments via UPI or debit/credit card

• Real-time ticket validation

• No need for multiple tickets or apps

• Faster transfers between transit modes

“This is a transformative step for Chennai’s public transport. Passengers can now plan, pay, and travel across various modes with just a few taps,” said CUMTA Special Officer I. Jayakumar.

Chennai One Mobility App: A Digital Gateway to Urban Commutes

Launched alongside the ticketing system, the Chennai One Mobility App (available on iOS and Android) is set to become the single interface for urban commuters. Key features include:

• Real-time vehicle tracking

• Integrated route planning

• Digital ticketing for metro, bus, and rail

• Support in Tamil, English, Telugu, and Hindi

The app is expected to reduce ticketing queues, enhance commuter experience, and provide crucial data for urban mobility planning.

Industry Perspective

Mrs. Mamta Shah, MD & CEO of Urban Infra Group, lauded the announcement as a national model for mobility reform:

“Chennai’s move to unify ticketing and publish a 25-year vision marks a defining moment in Indian urban transport. Integrating services through a single platform makes public transport more attractive, user-friendly, and sustainable.”

A Blueprint for Other Indian Cities

Urban planners believe that Chennai’s CMP and unified ticketing initiative could be replicated across other Indian metro regions. With growing congestion, pollution, and urban sprawl, integrated mobility ecosystems are fast becoming a necessity rather than a choice.

The CMP also aligns with India’s broader goals under:

• Gati Shakti National Master Plan

• Smart Cities Mission

• Climate Action and Emission Reduction Strategies

By combining digital innovation with long-term infrastructure planning, Chennai is positioning itself as a national leader in sustainable urban transport. The rollout of the CMP and Chennai One App marks a critical leap toward a smart, inclusive, and future-ready mobility framework, setting a benchmark for Indian cities aiming to modernize their transport systems.