Chennai Set For Unified Urban Rail Network As MRTS To Merge With Metro By July 2027: Report

The Tamil Nadu government and Indian Railways is expected to sign a formal memorandum of understanding (MoU) within two months to integrate the Mass Rapid Transit System (MRTS) with the Chennai Metro network, The New Indian Express reported.

According to the officials cited in the TNIE report, the complete transfer of operations to Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) is slated for July 2027.

The Railway Board’s in-principle approval marks a decisive step towards bringing the city’s urban rail services under a single operator.

The phased transition will see Southern Railway continue MRTS services during the interim while arrangements for asset transfer, infrastructure upgrades and organisational restructuring proceed.

At present, MRTS faces low ridership, infrequent services and outdated infrastructure.

To address these issues, the Chennai Unified Metropolitan Transport Authority (CUMTA) is preparing station-specific detailed project reports (DPRs) aimed at revitalising all 18 stations and improving areas within a 100 metre radius.

New rolling stock orders are expected, with deliveries taking at least 18 months.

Plans also include upgraded signalling and smoother interchanges with metro corridors to ensure seamless travel once the handover is complete.

Currently stretching 15 km from Chennai Beach to Velachery, the MRTS could carry more than 4 lakh passengers daily, though actual numbers remain far lower.

A crucial 500 metre Velachery–St Thomas Mount link, connecting metro and suburban rail is projected to be finished by December.

However, progress has slowed as Chennai Metro construction near St Thomas Mount, particularly girder installation for the Sholinganallur–Porur line is ongoing.

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