Velachery - St Thomas Mount MRTS Line to Be Energised on Nov 30 After 20-Year Delay
The Southern Railway has announced that the long-awaited Velachery–St Thomas Mount MRTS stretch will be energised on November 30, marking a crucial step toward opening the line nearly two decades after work began.
Railway officials said the overhead traction wires will be activated with 25,000 volts, and the public has been warned to stay away from tracks and structures once the system goes live. Energisation is the final step before trial runs and safety inspection.
The 5 km extension, featuring Ullagaram and Adambakkam stations, has faced years of delay mainly due to land acquisition hurdles. The project, initially pegged at ₹495 crore and revised to ₹730 crore, saw structural load testing earlier this month.
Following energisation, electric loco and EMU trials will begin. Passenger services are expected to start by late December or January, pending approval from the Commissioner of Railway Safety.
The new line is set to benefit commuters in St Thomas Mount, Adambakkam, Pallikaranai and nearby areas. Southern Railway has issued a similar energisation notice for the Tiruthuraipoondi–Pattukottai section as electrification progresses on the Thiruvarur–Karaikudi route.
