Chennai MRTS-Metro Merger Expected Soon
A long-awaited proposal to merge Chennai’s Mass Rapid Transit System (MRTS) with the Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) is nearing completion. Senior government officials and Southern Railway authorities have met to finalise a memorandum of understanding (MoU), expected to be signed within the next week.
The merger will transfer MRTS assets, operations, and maintenance from Southern Railway to the state government and CMRL, enabling integrated operations, unified ticketing, and seamless services under a single urban rail operator. The takeover is planned to roll out phased over the next two years.
In the initial phase, CMRL plans to induct 25 air-conditioned broad-gauge rakes for the elevated MRTS corridor. The operating model will be similar to Delhi Metro’s broad-gauge system. Services on the Velachery to St Thomas Mount line may begin by January 2026, as the line nears completion.
CMRL’s CUMTA is preparing detailed station-wise plans to modernise the 18 MRTS stations, enhancing public spaces, lighting, safety, cleanliness, and last-mile connectivity. Signalling upgrades and redesigned metro interchanges are planned for coordinated schedules and integrated ticketing.
Cost estimates for the MRTS upgrade vary. A 2018 study valued it between ₹2,800 crore and ₹3,100 crore, while current projections could exceed ₹4,000 crore.
