CHENNAI (Metro Rail News): The long-discussed integration of Chennai’s Mass Rapid Transit System (MRTS) with the Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) network is expected to move forward, as the Railway Board has given an ‘in-principle’ nod to the proposal. While a formal approval is still pending.
Responding to a query in Parliament by DMK MP Kanimozhi Karunanidhi, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw informed that the Indian Railways and the Tamil Nadu government have collaboratively developed the foundational principles for signing a formal Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the MRTS-CMRL merger. However, he emphasised that the operational integration would depend on resolving critical issues related to train operations, asset maintenance, and safety.
The plan to hand over MRTS operations to Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) had been temporarily stalled, awaiting the completion of the fourth railway line between Chennai Beach and Chennai Egmore. Sanctioned in March 2022 at an estimated cost of ₹279.8 crore, this crucial infrastructure project was successfully commissioned earlier this year, potentially opening the way for progress on the merger proposal.
Chennai MRTS Overview
| Phase | Route | Length (km) | Number of Stations | Operational Stations | Status |
| Phase I | Chennai Beach → Thirumayilai | 8.55 | 8 | 8 | Operational since 1997 |
| Phase II | Thirumayilai → Velachery | 11.165 | 9 | 10 | Operational since 2007 |
| Phase II Extension | Velachery → St. Thomas Mount | 5 | 3 | 0 (as of 2025) | Under Construction |
Chennai MRTS is managed by Southern Railway. Its last section, spanning 5km, faced delays. A Part of the Chennai Metro Phase 2 line from Sholinganallur to Porur via St. Thomas Mount is now being built above the existing MRTS elevated. In October 2023, Southern Railway conducted a massive operation to install girders linking MRTS to the St. Thomas Mount Metro station. However, in January 2024, a collapse of the final girder near Thillai Ganga Nagar subway occurred, which led to further delays. The faulty girder was finally installed in June 2025, clearing the path for final construction works. However, coordination is required between Southern Railway and CMRL to install girders over St. Thomas Mount station tracks.
Once implemented, the merger is expected to streamline operations, improve the commuter experience, and enhance multi-modal connectivity across the city.
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