Chennai MRTS To Get Air-Conditioned Trains, Faster Services, And Station Upgrades Under Suburban Rail Overhaul

The Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) is preparing for a significant transformation of the Mass Rapid Transit System (MRTS) network, beginning with the introduction of air-conditioned trains on the Chennai Beach–Velachery route, according to The Hindu report.

The move comes as part of CMRL’s takeover of MRTS operations from the Railways. According to officials, preliminary work has already begun, and tenders will soon be floated to procure air-conditioned train sets and modernise MRTS stations.

Even if tenders are issued within the next couple of months, the new trains are expected to take 18–24 months to be manufactured and delivered.

Once operational, trains are likely to run every seven minutes, supported by a communications-based train control (CBTC) signalling system, the same technology being deployed in CMRL’s Phase II metro network.

This advanced signalling allows higher frequency, improved safety, and better energy efficiency.

“The State government feels that introducing air-conditioned coaches, improving the frequency, and revamping the stations will be a significant overhaul of the MRTS network, and enhance passenger comfort. The entire ecosystem will change, and monetising the spaces subsequently could fetch revenue,” a senior source was quoted as saying.

The Railways will continue to operate the MRTS for two years while CMRL gradually assumes full control. Fare structures will be decided closer to the handover.

Meanwhile, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Government of Tamil Nadu and Railways is in the final stages.

The first draft has been prepared, with initial discussions already underway. If an agreement is reached soon, the MoU could be signed before the end of September.

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