Extended MRTS Line Between Velachery and Parangimalai to Become Operational
Many Chennai residents would not have forgotten the 5km MRTS extension project launched by former Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu Kalaignar M. Karunanidhi in 2008. After a long delay of 17 years, the wait is finally coming to an end.
The delightful news is that the extended MRTS line between Velachery and St. Thomas Mount (Parangimalai) will become operational from December onwards. The railway track lining works have been completed, and rail distressing is currently in progress.
What is Rail Distressing?
A senior officer from Southern Railways (SR) explained that rail distressing is a process of releasing built-up stress in long, continuous welded rails by making them stress-free at a specific desired temperature. He added that machine packing and load deflection tests are also being carried out on the track. Meanwhile, OHE (overhead electrification) work is ongoing and is expected to be completed by November.
It is noteworthy that the 5km MRTS extension project between Velachery and Parangimalai was launched by Kalaignar Karunanidhi in 2008 at a cost of Rs 498 crore. There will be two new stoppages at Ullagaram and Adambakkam. When the project was revived in 2020, the estimated cost increased to Rs 730 crore.
This extended MRTS line is expected to be highly beneficial for the residents of Pallikaranai, Madipakkam, and nearby localities, improving connectivity and reducing travel time for thousands of daily commuters in south Chennai.
