Railways Await CRS Clearance for MRTS Extension Services in Chennai
Southern Railway is awaiting approval from the Commissioner of Railway Safety (CRS), Southern Circle, to start public services on the 4.5-km MRTS extension from Velachery to St. Thomas Mount in Chennai. The project, completed at a cost of ₹734 crore, was finished last month.
Several trial runs using diesel-powered freight trains have been conducted successfully. The application for the safety certificate has been submitted, and the extension includes two new stations - Puzhuthivakkam and Adambakkam. Railway officials said services will begin once the CRS conducts the trial run and grants clearance. The launch is unlikely to happen before January.
Meanwhile, commuters have raised concerns over reduced MRTS train frequency. Earlier, trains ran every 15 minutes during peak hours between Beach and Velachery, but services are currently operated at a 25-minute interval, causing inconvenience to office-goers.
In another development, Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) plans to take over the MRTS network and upgrade it to metro standards. The revamp will begin with six stations, including Indira Nagar, Kasturba Nagar, Velachery, Taramani, Perungudi, and Thiruvanmiyur. Initial work will focus on security improvements, flooring, and general maintenance, while major upgrades such as new lifts, escalators, and trains are expected to take about two years.
