After PMO Nudge, Long-Pending MRTS–CMRL Transfer Nears Final Green Signal From Railway Board: Report

After over a decade of prolonged delays, the much-awaited transfer of Chennai’s Mass Rapid Transit System (MRTS) to Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) is finally approaching the finish line.

According to The Hindu report, every department within the Railway Board has now agreed to the move, and the proposal now lies with the Railway Board Chairman.

Once he gives the green light, the proposal will head to the Union Minister of Railways for formal approval.

Momentum for the long-stalled project picked up recently when Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin presented a memorandum to Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the NITI Aayog meeting in May.

This document specifically urged the Centre to facilitate the MRTS handover to CMRL.

Following the meeting, the Prime Minister’s Office reportedly directed the Railway Board to expedite the matter, prompting swift clarifications from Southern Railway.

If the plan is formally sanctioned, CMRL will be tasked with devising a comprehensive strategy for the transition.

This will involve working out details around operations, maintenance of stations, train management, and overseeing related infrastructure.

Officials indicate the shift will not happen overnight; rather, the integration is expected to roll out in phases and could take several months to fully implement.

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