Railway Board Approves MoU for MRTS Takeover by CMRL

The long-pending plan to transfer the Mass Rapid Transit System (MRTS) to Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) has moved into the implementation stage after the Railway Board approved the draft Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the handover. The merger proposal dates back to January 27, 2011, when the then Chief Secretary of Tamil Nadu first proposed bringing the MRTS under CMRL. Under the approved agreement, the handover will take place over 90 days, followed by a two-year transition period. The initial transfer will cover MRTS assets and general operations and maintenance, while core train operations will continue to remain with Southern Railway. Tamil Nadu will deploy personnel for ticketing, security and other general services within 90 days of signing the MoU. Ticket checking will continue to be handled by the Railways, while fare and non-fare revenue collected during the transition will be remitted to Southern Railway. Southern Railway will continue operating and maintaining the trains, including crew and EMU rakes, for 24 months without charging the State. This period will allow Tamil Nadu to prepare for taking over train operations independently. The State will also have to settle payments related to land, assets and infrastructure before the transition period ends. Existing EMU trains will remain with Southern Railway until Tamil Nadu acquires new rolling stock or the handholding period concludes, whichever is later. The MRTS overhead electrification system will eventually be transferred to Tamil Nadu. During the transition, Southern Railway will continue to maintain and use the Chintadripet traction substation until alternative arrangements are made. Tamil Nadu will establish its own SCADA system and facilities for maintaining overhead equipment. The agreement also provides for continued railway operations at the northern end of the MRTS. Suburban trains will continue to use platforms 9 and 10 at Chennai Beach for services between Chennai Beach and St Thomas Mount during the transition. The Railways will continue to share these platforms even after the transition. At Chennai Fort, Tamil Nadu will develop a block/crossing station with electronic interlocking and crossovers to improve train movements. The single-line section between Beach and Fort, which currently limits train frequency, has also been highlighted. Southern Railway will consider proposals for doubling the section, subject to operational requirements and railway land policies. According to CMRL sources, the takeover will eventually focus on providing passengers with more seamless and convenient travel. Existing MRTS station facilities will also be assessed and upgraded to improve maintenance, accessibility and the overall passenger experience. A special committee comprising senior officials from Southern Railway and the Tamil Nadu government will oversee the takeover process, with the CUMTA convenor serving as the coordinating officer.