CM Stalin to launch 'Chennai Ondru' app today, approve 25-year transport plan

Chennai, Sep 22 (IANS) The second meeting of the Chennai Unified Metropolitan Transport Authority (CUMTA) will be held on Monday at the State Secretariat under the chairmanship of Chief Minister M.K. Stalin. At this session, the Chief Minister is scheduled to approve a 25-year Comprehensive Mobility Plan (CMP) for the Chennai Metropolitan Area and unveil India’s first integrated multi-modal transport application.

CM Stalin will launch the 'Chennai Ondru' mobile application, a pioneering initiative designed to function seamlessly on both iOS and Android platforms.

The app will integrate all major public transport systems -- buses, suburban electric trains, metro rail, taxis, and autorickshaws -- into a single digital framework. A key feature of the app is a common QR-based ticketing system, which allows commuters to purchase one ticket and use it across multiple modes of travel.

Passengers will be able to pay for their journeys through UPI or payment cards, avoiding long queues at ticket counters. The application will also provide real-time updates on bus and train movements, enabling commuters to plan their journeys with greater efficiency.

It is being developed with multi-language support, including English, Tamil, Telugu, and Kannada, making it accessible to a wide range of users across the region.

According to officials, the initiative will reduce waiting times and enhance the convenience of public travel within the Chennai Metropolitan Area.

By offering a single digital pass covering all public transport, commuters will gain more flexibility and ease of travel.

The Chennai Ondru app is expected to play a vital role in transforming public mobility in Chennai, advancing the goals of sustainable and technology-driven urban transport.

The launch marks a landmark step by the Tamil Nadu government to boost the use of public transport and reduce dependence on private vehicles, while aligning with broader objectives of cutting congestion and lowering emissions.

By integrating planning, payment, and real-time tracking into one platform, Chennai is set to establish a national model for smart mobility and strengthen its position on the global map of innovative transport solutions.

--IANS

aal/dpb