Chennai-Cuddalore ECR Railway Project Revived: 179-km Rail Line Gets Fresh Push

The Union government has revived the long-pending 179-km Chennai-Cuddalore railway line along the East Coast Road (ECR), giving fresh momentum to the project aimed at improving rail connectivity along Tamil Nadu’s coastal region.

The proposed Chennai-Cuddalore railway line, planned via Mahabalipuram, Marakkanam and Puducherry, had remained stalled due to alignment issues near Puducherry. The Railways has now decided to move the sanctioned project forward, considering public demand and the growing development needs of the coastal belt.

Chennai-Cuddalore ECR Railway Line Gets Fresh Push

Replying to a question in the Lok Sabha, Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said Indian Railways has initiated several projects to strengthen connectivity along Tamil Nadu’s eastern coastline.

The Chennai-Cuddalore new railway line via Mahabalipuram, Marakkanam and Puducherry is already a sanctioned project. Although alignment-related issues near Puducherry delayed progress, the Railway Ministry has indicated that the project will now be taken forward.

The proposed railway line could improve connectivity for several fast-developing residential, tourism and commercial areas along the ECR corridor.

Other Tamil Nadu Railway Projects

The Railway Ministry also provided updates on other railway projects in Tamil Nadu. Land acquisition for the Nagapattinam-Tiruturaipundi new railway line is nearing completion, while bridge and station works are progressing.

Surveys have also been sanctioned for the 565-km Villupuram-Nagercoil third and fourth line, 193-km Villupuram-Thanjavur doubling, and 113-km Manamadurai-Rameswaram doubling projects.

In total, 29 railway surveys covering 3,517 km have been sanctioned in Tamil Nadu over the past three years and the current financial year, including four new-line surveys and 25 doubling surveys.

Boost for Tamil Nadu’s Coastal Connectivity

The revival of the Chennai-Cuddalore ECR railway project could strengthen connectivity between Chennai, Mahabalipuram, Marakkanam, Puducherry and Cuddalore.

The new rail corridor is expected to improve public transport options while supporting tourism, economic activity and regional development along Tamil Nadu’s eastern coastline.