Chennai Metro Rail Announces Special Train Schedule for Deepavali Holidays

Special Schedule Overview

To meet the demands of holiday travelers, CMRL has increased train frequency and extended operational hours. From October 30, the metro services will begin at 5 a.m. and run until midnight, with intervals of 3 to 7 minutes during peak travel times. For those traveling on October 31 and November 1, services will maintain regular hours, ending at 11 p.m. This special schedule, designed to ease commuter flow during peak holiday traffic, aims to enhance convenience and safety for travelers.

Detailed Operational Changes for Deepavali

The specific adjustments for each day are as follows:

1. October 30 (Deepavali Day):
   • Start Time: 5 a.m.
   • End Time: Midnight
   • Frequency: Trains will operate at a higher frequency, especially during peak hours on high-demand routes, ensuring smooth travel for commuters. The anticipated train intervals are set between 3 to 7 minutes.
2. October 31 – November 1:
   • End Time: 11 p.m.
   • Services will run according to holiday schedules, providing ample time for passengers returning after the holiday.

Key Travel Tips for Passengers

• Plan Ahead: Due to the increased passenger traffic, planning trips during less busy times can reduce potential delays.
• Purchase Tickets Early: Avoid queues by using digital ticketing methods through the CMRL mobile app.
• Safety Measures: Given the holiday crowd, commuters are encouraged to follow safety protocols, including waiting behind the yellow line, avoiding overcrowding, and keeping belongings secure.

Benefits of the Special Schedule

This holiday-specific schedule will significantly benefit passengers by:

1. Reducing Wait Times: Shorter intervals help accommodate the large number of travelers during peak hours.
2. Extended Operating Hours: Late-night operations provide more flexibility for holiday activities, allowing passengers to travel comfortably without time restrictions.
3. Improved Safety: Efficient crowd management ensures safety and reduces the chances of overcrowding within train cars.

Additional Tips for Smooth Commuting

1. Check the CMRL Mobile App: Passengers can use the app for real-time updates on train schedules, delays, and platform changes.
2. Avoid Peak Travel Times if Possible: Those with flexible schedules may find traveling during non-peak hours more convenient.
3. Be Aware of Holiday Closures: While metro services are extended, other public services may have varied schedules during Deepavali.

FAQs for Passengers

1. What are the metro timings on October 30?
Trains will start at 5 a.m. and run until midnight.

2. How frequently will trains run during peak hours?
Peak hours will see trains every 3 to 7 minutes, especially on high-demand routes.

3. Will services run past midnight on October 31?
No, the metro will revert to regular holiday hours, concluding at 11 p.m.

For the full schedule and official updates, visit CMRL