Tamil Nadu’s RRTS Push: CMRL Launches Feasibility Studies For High-Speed Rail Corridors Linking Chennai, Coimbatore To Regional Hubs

Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) has launched feasibility studies for a Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) aimed at linking Chennai and Coimbatore with surrounding towns through high-speed rail corridors.

The initiative marks a major step toward improving inter-city connectivity across Tamil Nadu with faster, rail-based transport.

The RRTS is envisioned as a semi-high-speed to high-speed network, capable of operating at 160–200 km/h or higher.

Designed to cover inter-city distances within 30 to 60 minutes, it aims to provide a faster alternative to existing road transport options, particularly for daily commuters and industrial movement.

Three corridors have been identified for the feasibility study: Chennai to Villupuram via Chengalpattu and Tindivanam (170 km); Chennai to Vellore via Kanchipuram (140 km); and Coimbatore to Salem via Tiruppur and Erode (185 km).

The agreement was signed by T Archunan, Director (Projects), CMRL, and M Robert Rajasekaran, General Manager – Projects (South), Balaji Railroad Systems, in the presence of senior CMRL officials including T Livingstone Eliazer, Rekha Prakash, S Ashok Kumar, and D Jebaselwin Gladson.

"Consultants will study alternate options of route for each planned RRTS lines, choosing station points, depot and smooth change-over points with other transport modes. This study will decide whether tracks should run on-ground, raised, or underground, land needs, environmental issues and broad project cost," the CMRL said in a statement.

According to CMRL, RRTS is planned to decongest the city by allowing faster reach to city centre from nearby cities and industrial areas.

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