CHENNAI (Metro Rail News): Indian Railways has approved the Rs 993 crore Arakkonam – Chengalpattu doubling project in Tamilnadu. The 68 km project will strengthen Chennai’s suburban rail network and improve train movement on one of the city’s busiest corridors. The route forms part of Chennai’s circular suburban rail network connecting Chennai Beach, Tambaram, Chengalpattu and Arakkonam. Railway officials said that the project will reduce congestion and improve punctuality as train traffic continues to rise.
Project Overview
| Details | Information |
| Project | Arakkonam – Chengalpattu Doubling |
| Length | 68 km |
| Cost | Rs 993 crore |
| Zone | Southern Railway |
| Purpose | Improve suburban and freight train movement |
The existing double-line section already handles heavy traffic every day. Indian Railways is expecting the demand to grow further in the coming years. The new doubling work will reduce train delays, improve punctuality, increase suburban train frequency and improve operational efficiency. Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said that the project will ease pressure on the Chennai suburban network and improve both passenger and freight movement.
Key industrial area to benefit
The corridor connects several major industrial and manufacturing hubs, including:
- Mahindra World City
- Sriperumbudur
- Oragadam
- Irungattukottal
The route will also support movement of cement, automobiles, food grains and iron and steel. Officials said the upcoming Parandur Airport project near Kancheepuram also increases the importance of the rail corridor.
Part of bigger Chennai Rail expansion
According to Indian Railways, the project forms part of a larger infrastructure plan to expand Chennai’s suburban rail network by adding more tracks on busy commuter routes. Indian Railways is expecting that additional tracks will support faster and smoother train operations across the region.
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