Chennai Mass Rapid Transit System

This article is about the suburban railway. For the urban transit system, see Chennai Metro.

Chennai Mass Rapid Transit System
Velachery MRTS Station
Overview
Owner	Southern Railway
Locale	Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
Transit type	Rapid Transit
Number of lines	1
Number of stations	18
Daily ridership	100,000 (2023) [1]
Headquarters	Chennai
Website	www.sr.indianrailways.gov.in
Operation
Began operation	16 November 1995;28 years ago (16 November 1995)
Operator(s)	Southern Railway
Train length	9 coaches
Technical
System length	19.34 km (12.02 mi)
No. of tracks	2
Track gauge	5 ft 6 in (1,676 mm)
Electrification	25 kV 50 Hz AC overhead catenary
System map Legend Chennai Beach – Velachery – St Thomas Mount km 0 Chennai Beach Rajaji Salai High Court 1.8 Chennai Fort Muthuswamy Road 2.64 Chennai Park Town Chennai Park Chennai Central Blue Line from Wimco Nagar to Chennai International Airport Green Line to St. Thomas Mount South Line Pallavan Salai Cooum River 3.53 Chintadripet Anna Salai 5.10 Chepauk 5.84 Thiruvallikeni 7.05 Light House Radhakrishnan Salai 8.26 Mundakanniamman Koil 8.73 Thirumayilai Orange Line from Poonamallee Bypass to Lighthouse Purple Line from Madhavaram Milk Colony to Siruseri 9.77 Mandaveli Kamaraj Salai 11.09 Greenways Road Adyar River 11.96 Kotturpuram Sardar Patel Road 12.89 Kasturba Nagar 13.86 Indira Nagar 14.72 Thiruvanmiyur Purple Line from Madhavaram Milk Colony to Siruseri Taramani Link Road 16.64 Taramani 17.78 Perungudi 19.41 Velachery Velachery Road Puzhuthivakkam 22.35 Adambakkam Red Line from Madhavaram Milk Colony to Sholinganallur 24.72 St. Thomas Mount Green Line to Chennai Central Red Line from Madhavaram Milk Colony to Sholinganallur South Line to Chengalpattu Junction

The Chennai Mass Rapid Transit System, commonly referred to as Chennai MRTS, is a metropolitan rail transit system in Chennai, India. It is operated by Southern Railway of the state-owned Indian Railways. Opened in 1995, it was the first elevated railway line in India. The railway line runs from Chennai Beach to Velachery, covering a distance of 19.34 km (12.02 mi) with 18 stations and is integrated with the wider Chennai suburban railway network.

While the suburban railway has been operational in Chennai since 1931, the Planning Commission of Government of India formed a research group to recommend development of transportation in major cities including Madras in 1965. The Madras Area Transportation Study Unit identified eight transport corridors including the 39 km (24 mi) north–southeastern rail corridor along the Buckingham Canal. The Government of India approved a Mass Rapid Transit System for the southern section in 1983–84 with the project to be implemented in four phases. The project was implemented by the Ministry of Railways and construction began in 1991. The first phase from Chennai Beach to Chepauk was completed in 1995 with further extension to Thirumayilai in 1997. Part of second phase from Thirumayilai to Thiruvanmiyur was completed in 2004 with further extension to Velachery in 2007. As of January 2024 ^[update] , a planned extension to St. Thomas Mount is under construction.

The Chennai MRTS line is largely elevated with at-grade sections at its terminals. The line runs at-grade initially till Park Town, parallel to the suburban railway network. It becomes elevated thereon, roughly following the course of the Buckingham Canal and running parallel to the Coromandel Coast till Thiruvanmiyur before deviating west towards Velachery. It uses the same broad gauge (5 ft 6in) as the suburban system, thus allowing the movements of trains between the existing suburban lines and the MRTS. The Chennai MRTS uses 9-car electrical multiple unit (EMU) train sets. The trains use 25 kV overhead catenary for traction. The coaches are manufactured by the Integral Coach Factory, Chennai. The coaches are not air-conditioned and are equipped with first-class and second-class passenger seating.

As of 2023 ^[update] , the system has a daily ridership of 100,000. With the implementation of the Chennai Metro Rail starting in 2015 and planned expansion of the same, further expansion of the MRTS system was put on hold in 2017, with the plans for the MRTS system to be taken over by Chennai Metro Rail Limited. In 2022, the Southern Railway of Indian Railways gave an in-principle approval for the take-over under which the coaches, stations and other infrastructure will be upgraded on par with the Chennai Metro.

Background

The Chennai Suburban Railway started operations in 1931 on a single electrified line from Chennai Beach to Tambaram. Suburban services commenced on the second line between Chennai Central and Gummidipoondi in 1985 the third line from Central towards Arakkonam was added later. ^{[2] [3]} In 1965, the Planning Commission formed a group to study the suitability of the existing transportation network, to ascertain the viability of various ways of transportation and advocate plans for the expansion of transportation in metropolitan cities including Madras. ^{[4] [5]}

Planning

Surveys were conducted to supplement the existing transport infrastructure in Madras, such as the Madras Area Transportation Study (1968), Integrated Transport Plan (1977) and Madras Route Rationalisation Study (1986). ^[6] The Madras Area Transportation Study Unit (MATSU) identified eight important transport corridors including the north–southeastern rail corridor connecting Kasturba Nagar and Manali Road. The study suggested the implementation of a rail-based Mass Rapid Transit System (MRTS) on the southern section of the line along the Buckingham Canal, connecting to the existent suburban system. ^[7] The system was envisaged as a 59.38 km (36.90 mi) loop line connecting Chennai Beach and Tiruvottiyur. ^[8]

Since the planned railway line would pass through congested parts of the city, an elevated rail system was selected, to avoid land acquisition problems. ^[9] The project was intended to be implemented in four phases: Chennai Beach to Thirumayilai, Tirumayilai to St. Thomas Mount, St. Thomas Mount to Villivakkam and Villivakkam to Ennore. ^{[10] [11]}

Construction and opening

Railway map of the Chennai showing the MRTS line in olive green

Phase I

The project was sanctioned for implementation by the Ministry of Railways, Government of India in 1983-84. ^{[5] [10]} After multiple delays, construction began in 1991 and part of the first phase from Chennai Beach to Chepauk was completed in 1995. ^{[7] [12]} It became operational on 16 November 1995 and was the first operational elevated railway line in India. The line was extended to Thirumayilai in 1997. ^{[7] [10]} The cost of construction of the first phase between Chennai Beach and Thirumayilai, estimated to be ₹2.8 billion (equivalent to ₹14 billionorUS$170 million in 2023), was fully financed by the Government of India. ^[7] The first phase was projected to serve about 600,000 passengers per day. ^{[11] [13]}

Phase II

RITES conducted further studies in 1987 and 1994 on the effectiveness of the existing public transport system for the growing population. The studies proposed further expansion of the MRTS line. In 1998, the Railway Board sanctioned Phase II of the project from Thirumayilai to Velachery. ^[5] Part of the Phase II line from Thirumaylai to Thiruvanmiyur was opened on 26 January 2004. ^[14] It initially consisted of a single line of track for both forward and return journeys. ^[15] On 19 November 2007, the network was extended from Thiruvanmiyur to Velachery. ^{[16] [17] [18]} While the state government gave only the required land for the first phase, it contributed two-thirds of the total project cost of ₹6.91 billion (US$83 million) for the second phase. ^{[5] [7] [19]}

Phase II extension

The construction for the extended second phase of the project connecting Velachery with St. Thomas Mount started in 2008. It was planned at an estimated cost of ₹7.33 billion (US$88 million) with the central government bearing two-thirds of the cost and the state government bearing the rest. ^{[10] [20]} The initial planned alignment was altered subsequently and necessitated the demolition of over 70 residential units, which led to protests by the locals. ^{[21] [22]} In the Government of India's annual Railway Budget of 2012, it was announced that the line would be commissioned in 2013. ^[23] In October 2012, Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority (CMDA) resumed the land acquisition for the proposed extension after the Madras High Court vacated its earlier stay order on the same. ^{[24] [25]} While land acquisition was completed for the construction of majority of the line by April 2013, there were further delays in acquiring land for about 0.5 km (0.31 mi) of the stretch and the construction of Puzhuthivakkam station. ^[26] As of 2014 ^[update] , the construction of about 3.7 km (2.3 mi) of the proposed extension was complete. ^[27]

In May 2014, the High Court ruled that compensation be paid as per newly enacted Land Acquisition Act 2013 on the cases filed by the land owners. ^[27] In March 2016, the Southern Railway stated that the final phase of the MRTS would take at least 18 months after the state government handed over land to Indian Railways and that it had not yet done so. ^[28] In 2018, further discussion between the CMDA and the land owners on the compensation to be paid for the land acquisition failed. ^{[29] [30]} As of 2019 ^[update] , the Indian Railways had completed the construction of Adambakkam Puzhuthivakkam stations and about 0.5 km (0.31 mi) of the line was pending for construction. ^[31] In 2019, the Madras High Court directed the CMDA to pay higher compensation to the land owners. ^[29] However, the CMDA filed a review petition against the order in the Indian Supreme Court. ^[32]

The Supreme Court ordered fair compensation for the land owners and directed the CMDA to complete the land acquisition by 8 January 2021. ^[33] In June 2022, officials announced that the land acquisition for the final stretch would be completed in the next three months. ^[34] In July 2023, the authorities said that the construction will be completed by the end of the month and the line will be commissioned for use within the end of the year. ^[35] On 18 January 2024, a concrete girder on the stretch collapsed, which was expected to further delay the opening of the line. ^{[36] [37]} Multiple deadlines to make complete the construction of the final phase have not been met. ^{[38] [39]}

Future plans

The third and fourth phases of the MRTS were initially planned to connect St. Thomas Mount with Villivakkam and Villivakkam with Ennore. ^[11] The plans have been shelved after the lines overlapped with the proposed extension of the Chennai Metro Rail. ^[40] In early 2024, a feasibility report was submitted to the state government for a new line from Poonamallee and the planned new airport at Parandur. The 43.63 km (27.11 mi) line would have 19 stations and is expected to cost ₹107.12 billion (US$1.3 billion). ^[41]

With the Chennai Metro operational since 2015, the Indian Railways proposed for the MRTS system to be taken over by Chennai Metro Rail Limited in 2017. ^[42] In July 2018, PwC said that the merger would be expensive, costing around ₹30 billion (US$360 million) to replace the train-sets and establish other facilities. ^[43] On 11 May 2022, the Southern Railway zone of the Indian Railways granted in-principle approval for the takeover. ^[44] As of July 2024 ^[update] , the take over was still pending as the Indian Railway Board had not approved the same. ^[45]

Infrastructure

MRTS runs on an elevated course for most of its length. Pictured is the crossing over OMR highway

Network and lines

The MRTS line is largely elevated, with at-grade sections at its terminals. The 19 km (12 mi) line from Chennai Beach to Velachery has a 15 km (9.3 mi) elevated section and runs for about 4 km (2.5 mi) at surface. From Chennai Beach to Park Town, the line runs at-grade along the suburban railway line. ^{[7] [10] [40]} From the Park Town station, the line becomes elevated and roughly follows the course of the Buckingham Canal, which runs parallel to the Coromandel Coast. ^{[7] [10] [46]} The line remains elevated for the alignment of the second phase up to Perungudi, after which it returns to an at-grade section at the Velachery station. The 5 km (3.1 mi) extension of the line from Velachery to St. Thomas Mount is planned to be elevated. ^{[10] [40]}

Chennai MRTS network ^{[10] [40]}

Phase	Length	Route	Stations	Opening Date	Status
Phase I-A	5.00 km (3.11 mi)	Chennai Beach – Chepauk	5	16 November 1995	Operational
Phase I-B	3.66 km (2.27 mi)	Chepauk – Thirumayilai	4	19 October 1997	Operational
Phase II-A	5.99 km (3.72 mi)	Thirumayilai – Thiruvanmiyur	6	26 January 2004	Operational
Phase II-B	4.69 km (2.91 mi)	Thiruvanmiyur – Velachery	3	19 November 2007	Operational
Phase II-B Extension [47]	5 km (3.1 mi)	Velachery – St. Thomas Mount	3	TBD	Under construction

The route taken by the MRTS line has resulted in the pillars of the elevated section of the railway encroaching the Buckingham Canal. Although the pillars were placed basis the approval of the state government, the government later proposed plans to restore the canal to make it navigable. ^{[48] [49] [50]} However, as the MRTS pillars have reduced the canal width, a section of the canal is not navigable, and the pillars block the flow of rainwater discharge. ^{[48] [51] [52]}

Track

The Chennai MRTS line bears greater resemblance to the suburban railway than a rapid transit line as it uses the same broad gauge (5 ft 6in) as the Chennai Suburban Railway system, allowing the usage of same train-sets across the existing suburban lines and the MRTS. ^{[7] [53]} Ballastless track is used between Tirumayilai and Velachery stations. ^{[7] [54]} The trains use 25 kV overhead catenary for traction. ^{[7] [55]}

Chennai MRTS uses 9-car EMUs; Pictured is an EMU at Velachery station

Rolling stock

The Chennai MRTS uses nine-car electrical multiple unit train sets. ^[56] A nine-car rake typically has three sets of three motor coaches each at the front, the middle and the last with electric motors used to drive the wheels of the train at a stipulated speed. ^[57] The EMU coaches are manufactured by the Integral Coach Factory in Chennai. ^{[58] [59]} The coaches are not air-conditioned and are equipped with two-class (first and second class) passenger seating configuration. ^{[60] [61] [62] [63]}

Stations

Chindadripet station, one of the stations on the MRTS line

As of 2024 ^[update] , the MRTS line has 18 operational stations. ^[64] The Chennai Beach station, one of the termini, is a hub for several suburban trains. Along with the Chennai Fort station, it offers connectivity to the commercial area of Broadway. ^{[65] [66]} The Park Town station is located near the Chennai Central station, which is a hub for other suburban lines and for long-distance express trains. ^{[67] [68]}

Places of interest such as Parthasarathy Temple, Kapaleeshwarar Temple and Mundagakanniamman Koil are located close to the MRTS railway line. ^{[69] [70] [71]} Marina Beach spans along a stretch of the line close to Thiruvallikeni station. ^[72] The Chepauk station is located close to the M. A. Chidambaram Stadium. ^[73] The MRTS passes along the Old Mahabalipuram Road (OMR), which also forms part of the information technology corridor where many companies are located. ^{[74] [75] [76] [77]}

Upon completion of the St. Thomas Mount station at the southern end of the proposed alignment, the station will have three types of railway networks. The suburban and long-distance express trains would ply on the conventional tracks at ground level, the elevated MRTS line will be located at the first level and the Chennai Metro operating at the second level. ^[78] There are large stations on the existing MRTS line designed to accommodate six and nine-car train rakes with attached parking lots. ^[79]

#	Station name [64]			Distance (km) [40]	Opening [40]	Connections [80]	Layout
	English	Tamil	Transliteration
1	Chennai Beach	சென்னை கடற்கரை	Cennaī Kadarkarai	0	16 November 1995	South Line, Chennai Suburban (Chennai Beach)	At-Grade
2	Chennai Fort	சென்னை கோட்டை	Cennaī Kottai	1.70		South Line, Chennai Suburban (Chennai Fort) Broadway bus terminus
3	Chennai Park Town	சென்னை பூங்கா நகர்	Cennaī Poonga Nagar	2.54		Chennai Central South Line, Chennai Suburban (Park) North Line, Chennai Suburban (Moore Market) West Line, Chennai Suburban (Moore Market)   Blue Line, Chennai Metro (Central)   Green Line, Chennai Metro (Central)
4	Chintadripet	சிந்தாதிரிப்பேட்டை	Chinthadripettai	3.43		Blue Line, Chennai Metro (Government Estate)	Elevated
5	Chepauk	சேப்பாக்கம்	Chepakkam	5		—
6	Thiruvallikeni	திருவல்லிக்கேணி	Thiruvallikeni	5.74	19 October 1997
7	Light House	கலங்கரை விளக்கம்	Kalangarai Vilakkam	6.95
8	Mundagakanniamman Koil	முண்டகக்கண்ணியம்மன் கோவில்	Mundagakanniamman Kovil	7.925	14 May 2014 [71]
9	Thirumayilai	திருமயிலை	Thirumayilai	8.66	19 October 1997
10	Mandaveli	மந்தைவெளி	Mandaiveli	9.699	26 January 2004
11	Greenways Road	பசுமைவழிச் சாலை	Pasumaivazhi Salai	11.02
12	Kotturpuram	கோட்டூர்புரம்	Kottoorpuram	11.892
13	Kasturba Nagar	கஸ்தூரிபாய் நகர்	Kasturibai Nagar	12.824
14	Indira Nagar	இந்திரா நகர்	Indira Nagar	13.796
15	Thiruvanmiyur	திருவான்மியூர்	Thiruvanmiyur	14.655
16	Taramani	தரமணி	Tharamani	16.57	19 November 2007
17	Perungudi	பெருங்குடி	Perungudi	17.713			At Grade
18	Velachery	வேளச்சேரி	Velachery	19.34

MRTS coaches have open doors on both sides. Pictured is an EMU at Thirumayilai

Indian Railways has made various plans to use the empty space in the MRTS stations. ^[81] In February 2009, Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) announced plans to set up food stalls at MRTS stations with the first such stall inaugurated in April 2018 at Thiruvanmiyur station. ^{[82] [83] [84] [85]}

MRTS has been criticised by the public for poor maintenance of the stations, lack of inter-modal transport facilities and security issues. ^{[86] [87]} The director of Chennai Metro called for the various government agencies to work together to improve the connectivity to the stations. ^[88] The stations often face issues such as seepage of rainwater and no access to clean drinking water. ^{[89] [90] [91]} A 2006 report by the Comptroller and Auditor General of India cited delays in installation of station amenities such as escalators. ^[92]

In 2012, there was a shortage of the Railway Protection Force personnel at MRTS stations, which raised security concerns. ^[93] In 2013, to improve the security for the passengers using the network, Indian Railways declared that the MRTS stations would have a single designated entry and exit point as it was difficult for the existing RPF personnel to monitor multiple gates at the same time. ^{[94] [95]} If the planned takeover by Chennai Metro is completed, the existing line is planned to be upgraded to be compatible with the metro system. Plans to modernise infrastructure include improved facilities at stations and single integrated ticketing system among others. ^[96]

Operations

The operational route length between Chennai Beach and Velachery is 19.34 km (12.02 mi) with a journey time of more than 45 minutes one way. ^{[40] [97] [98]} The system handles about 70 trains on weekdays and reduced capacity on Sundays. ^{[99] [100]} In 2012, Indian Railways made the schedule for the MRTS services available on Google Maps on Android smartphones. ^{[101] [102]} The trains can be tracked in real time and the users are provided with updates through an automated SMS system. ^[103]

Fares and ticketing

The minimum fare for a second class is ₹5 (6.0¢ US). ^[104] A second class ticket from Beach to Velachery is priced at ₹10 (12¢ US). ^[105] First class tickets cost about five times higher than the second class fare. ^[106] In addition to one-time tickets, the Southern Railway issues monthly tickets and quarterly season tickets for frequent travelers. ^{[107] [108]} Short validity tickets are available for tourists. ^{[109] [110] [111]} The tickets can be bought at the railway ticket counters or booked through a mobile application. ^[112]

Patronage

Average daily patronage by station (2009–10)

The ridership of the Chennai MRTS system increased from approximately 9,000 in 2003 to 66,518 passengers per day in 2008. ^{[11] [113]} When the line was extended up to Velachery in 2007, the daily ridership increased and it saw a three-fold increase in the revenue. ^{[114] [115]} As of 2023 ^[update] , the daily ridership is about 100,000. ^[1] Three stations—Beach, Thirumayilai, and Velachery—account for nearly 40 percent of the ridership. ^[116]

In 2010, the Indian Railways rolled out dedicated trains for women, which saw poor patronage. ^[117] In 2023, Chennai Unified Metropolitan Transport Authority (CUMTA) introduced new plans to improve last-mile connectivity to the stations. ^[118] Indian Railways operates special trains on certain occasions to boost revenue. As the route passes close to some popular religious sites, the MRTS operates special trains during popular religious festivals such as the Vaikunta Ekadashi at Parthasarathy Temple in Thiruvallikeni and the Arupathumoovar festival at the Kapaleeshwarar Temple in Thirumayilai. ^{[69] [119]} Special trains are run when cricket matches are hosted at the M. A. Chidambaram Stadium in Chepauk, ^{[73] [120] [121]} during Kaanum Pongal festival at Marina Beach, ^[122] and during bus strikes. ^[123]

As the MRTS system is not fully integrated with other modes of transportation in the city, access to the stations is an issue. ^{[124] [125]} As per a survey conducted in 2012, the public called for special focus on pedestrian facilities that would provide access to MRTS stations from nearby roads and bus stops, as well as identifying new feeder routes for the network. ^[126] Post the completion of the under construction extension, the MRTS system will be connected to the Suburban Railway and the Metro. This would enable commuters to access the railway grid of the different operational rail systems and facilitate improved connectivity from the stations on the MRTS network. ^[127] The proposed extension up to St. Thomas Mount is expected to increase patronage from people working in the IT establishments, residences and other offices located close to the MRTS network. ^{[128] [129]}

Finances

In a ten month period in 2009–10, the MRTS earned a revenue of ₹127.6 million (US$1.5 million) with ₹122.1 million (US$1.5 million) coming from ticketing sales. It had operating expenses of about ₹230 million (US$2.8 million), which translated to net loss of more than ₹100 million (US$1.2 million). ^[79] As of 2023 ^[update] , the MRTS registered revenues of ₹200 million (US$2.4 million) annually. With estimated operational expenses of about ₹1.05 billion (US$13 million), the annual loss widened to ₹0.85 billion (US$10 million). ^{[118] [130]} A major contributor to the losses is the revenue deficit due to subsidised cheaper fares offered by the Southern Railway, which runs the service. ^[104]

See also

• Chennai Suburban Railway
• Chennai Metro
• Chennai Metrolite
• Rapid transit in India
• Transport in Chennai

References

1. "Velachery-St Thomas Mount MRTS stretch to get metro like stations". Times of India . 7 February 2023. Archived from the original on 15 December 2023. Retrieved 1 December 2023.
2. Chennai Division, SR (PDF). Southern Railway zone (Report). Archived (PDF) from the original on 15 December 2023. Retrieved 1 December 2023.
3. Chennai Metro, project brief (PDF). Chennai Metro Rail Limited (Report). Archived (PDF) from the original on 26 December 2023. Retrieved 1 December 2023.
4. Institutional Development of Suburban Rail systems (PDF). Indian Railway (Report). p. 10. Archived (PDF) from the original on 2 April 2024. Retrieved 1 December 2023. This was appreciated by the Planning Commission way back in 1965, when it took the initiative to set up Metropolitan Transport Teams (MTT) to study the transport problems of the first four metropolitan cities of Bombay, Calcutta, Delhi and Madras and to recommend policies and programs for their improvement.
5. Report No.5 of 2006 (Railways) (PDF). Comptroller and Auditor General of India (Report). p. 2-3. Archived (PDF) from the original on 15 April 2024. Retrieved 26 December 2023.
6. Traffic and Transportation in CMA (PDF). Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority (Report). p. 1. Archived (PDF) from the original on 23 September 2023. Retrieved 1 December 2023.
7. Indian Engineering Heritage (PDF). Indian National Academy of Engineering (Report). pp. 41–43. Archived (PDF) from the original on 26 December 2023. Retrieved 1 December 2023.
8. Sreevatsan, Ajai (10 August 2010). "Metro Rail may take over MRTS". The Hindu . Chennai. Archived from the original on 10 February 2016. Retrieved 19 August 2012.
9. "Mass rejected transit system". Business Today. 4 April 2010. Archived from the original on 7 July 2012. Retrieved 15 August 2012.
10. "Development of MRTS in Chennai". Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority . Archived from the original on 12 July 2023. Retrieved 1 December 2023.
11. "Towards a discussion of support to Urban Transport development in India, March 2005" (PDF). World Bank . pp. 22, 52. Archived (PDF) from the original on 20 October 2012. Retrieved 25 October 2012.
12. "MRTS connectivity from Velachery to St Thomas Mount to be ready by March". The Hindu . 1 November 2022. Archived from the original on 1 November 2023. Retrieved 1 December 2023.
13. "MRTS work in progress". New Indian Express . 16 July 1994. Archived from the original on 26 September 2021. Retrieved 18 September 2012.
14. "MRTS services extended". Business Line . 27 January 2004. Archived from the original on 29 October 2013. Retrieved 29 July 2012.
15. Raja Simhan, T. E.; Ramesh, M. (18 August 2007). "Extended MRTS stretch in Chennai ready for inauguration". Business Line . Archived from the original on 29 October 2013. Retrieved 18 August 2012.
16. "Tiruvanmiyur-Velachery MRTS service opened". Business Line . 20 November 2007. Archived from the original on 29 October 2013. Retrieved 21 August 2012.
17. Traffic and Transportation, Chapter 5 (PDF). Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority (Report). Archived (PDF) from the original on 31 January 2012. Retrieved 19 August 2012.
18. Sreevatsan, Ajai (31 October 2011). "Evolution of Chennai's Public Transport System" (PDF). The Hindu . Archived (PDF) from the original on 5 November 2013. Retrieved 29 February 2012.
19. "MRTS Phase II: Three steel girders installed across existing tracks". The Times of India . 31 October 2023. Archived from the original on 26 December 2023. Retrieved 1 December 2023.
20. "Velachery-St Thomas Mount MRTS by 2022-end". The New Indian Express . 28 December 2021. Archived from the original on 15 January 2022. Retrieved 16 January 2022.
21. "Protest against MRTS corridor realignment". The Hindu . Chennai. 2 October 2010. Archived from the original on 16 April 2014. Retrieved 15 August 2012.
22. "Threat of relocation evokes protests as Southern Railway alters MRTS alignment". The Times of India . Chennai. 1 August 2010. Archived from the original on 15 December 2023. Retrieved 15 August 2012.
23. Railway Budget 2012-13 (PDF). Government of India (Report). p. 25. Archived (PDF) from the original on 26 December 2023. Retrieved 1 December 2023.
24. "MRTS upto St. Thomas Mount back on track". The Hindu . 16 October 2012. Archived from the original on 8 January 2016. Retrieved 15 December 2012.
25. "MRTS extension stopped in its tracks". The Times of India . 16 March 2011. Archived from the original on 15 December 2023. Retrieved 21 August 2023.
26. "Decks cleared for acquisition of land for Adambakkam station". The Hindu . 10 April 2013. Archived from the original on 13 April 2013. Retrieved 19 April 2013.
27. Shivakumar, C. (23 May 2014). "MRTS Phase II Extension Starts Next Month". The New Indian Express . Archived from the original on 2 June 2014. Retrieved 5 August 2014.
28. "The final leg of Mass Rapid Transit System for a distance of 500 metres is not likely to be completed in the near future". The Hindu . 27 February 2016.
29. Shivakumar, C. (29 December 2021). "Velachery-St Thomas Mount MRTS by 2022-end". The New Indian Express . Archived from the original on 4 September 2024. Retrieved 1 June 2024.
30. "Land acquisition talks for MRTS link fail again". The Times of India . Archived from the original on 24 December 2023. Retrieved 1 December 2023.
31. "After 11-year wait, construction on St Thomas Mount-Adambakkam MRTS stretch in Chennai to begin soon". The Indian Express . 13 November 2019. Archived from the original on 4 September 2024. Retrieved 1 June 2024.
32. "Chennai MRTS's last stretch to be delayed further as CMDA approaches SC". The News Minute . 21 September 2020. Archived from the original on 3 April 2024. Retrieved 7 July 2023.
33. "Chennai: Last-mile demolition to acquire land for MRTS extension begins". Times of India . 7 January 2021. Archived from the original on 25 September 2022. Retrieved 1 July 2023.
34. Shivakumar, C. (24 June 2022). "Construction of MRTS' final pillar to start in six months, land acquisition nearing end". The Indian Express . Archived from the original on 4 September 2024. Retrieved 1 June 2024.
35. "Construction of Velachery-St. Thomas Mount MRTS stretch will be completed by end of July". The Hindu . 13 July 2023. Archived from the original on 4 September 2024. Retrieved 1 June 2024.
36. "Concrete girder of bridge collapses at MRTS worksite in Thillai Ganga Nagar". The Hindu . 18 January 2024. Archived from the original on 31 January 2024. Retrieved 1 March 2024.
37. "Part of bridge falls, rail project delayed again". The Times of India . 19 January 2024. Archived from the original on 31 March 2024. Retrieved 1 March 2024.
38. "Hope for Chennai MRTS phase-II extension". The Indian Express . 31 October 2018. Archived from the original on 22 October 2019. Retrieved 1 June 2024.
39. "Mount-Velachery-Beach MRTS misses deadline, again". The Times of India . 27 April 2024. Archived from the original on 10 May 2024. Retrieved 1 June 2024.
40. Presentation on MRTS & Rail facilities in and around Chennai (PDF). Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority (Report). pp. 5–8. Archived (PDF) from the original on 2 July 2010. Retrieved 19 August 2012.
41. "Parandur-Poonamallee MRTS in Chennai to cost Rs 10k crore". The New Indian Express . 5 January 2024. Retrieved 1 June 2024.
42. "Chennai Metro-MRTS merger report in six months". The Hindu. 29 May 2017. Archived from the original on 29 February 2020. Retrieved 29 May 2017.
43. Sekar, Sunitha (19 July 2018). "Metro-MRTS merger likely to be a costly affair". The Hindu . Archived from the original on 9 November 2020. Retrieved 22 July 2018.
44. "MRTS merger with Chennai Metro gets railway's approval". The New Indian Express . 15 May 2022. Archived from the original on 15 May 2022. Retrieved 16 May 2022.
45. "CMRL's takeover of MRTS yet to make any headway". Daily Thanthi . 15 July 2024. Archived from the original on 15 July 2024. Retrieved 15 July 2024.
46. "How Buckingham canal could have saved Chennai". The Hindu . 27 December 2018. Archived from the original on 9 December 2023. Retrieved 1 December 2023.
47. "MRTS-suburban train linking work resumes after long delay". The Hindu . 20 February 2021. Archived from the original on 20 February 2021. Retrieved 20 February 2021.
48. Feasibility report (PDF). Government of Tamil Nadu (Report). pp. 1–2. Archived (PDF) from the original on 14 April 2024. Retrieved 1 December 2023.
49. "Buckingham canal restoration: WRD submits plan". The New Indian Express . 3 October 2023. Archived from the original on 14 October 2023. Retrieved 1 December 2023.
50. "River restoration only on paper, a sham on ground". The Times of India . 29 August 2003. Archived from the original on 1 September 2023. Retrieved 1 September 2023.
51. "Civic infrastructure struggling to be rain-ready". The Hindu . 5 November 2016. Archived from the original on 3 April 2024. Retrieved 1 December 2023.
52. Waterways (PDF). Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority (Report). Archived (PDF) from the original on 24 October 2023. Retrieved 1 December 2023.
53. "Metro – Urban – Suburban Systems". IRFCA. Archived from the original on 4 November 2012. Retrieved 13 November 2012.
54. "MRTS cuts ride time from Beach to Velachery". The Times of India . 24 July 2017. Archived from the original on 26 December 2023. Retrieved 1 September 2023.
55. "General Description of Electrical Rolling Stock". Indian Railways . Archived from the original on 29 October 2013. Retrieved 15 September 2012.
56. "MRTS goes full nine-car". The Hindu . Archived from the original on 30 September 2021. Retrieved 1 December 2023.
57. Three phase EMU (PDF). Indian Railways (Report). p. 5. Archived (PDF) from the original on 13 November 2023. Retrieved 15 October 2023.
58. "Fort station to be MRTS hub post CMRL merger". The Times of India . 1 April 2017. Retrieved 1 June 2024.
59. "Integral Coach Factory". Integral Coach Factory . Archived from the original on 9 December 2023. Retrieved 1 December 2023.
60. Ananthakrishnan, G (27 February 2013). "Why no AC train for Chennai MRTS?". The Hindu . Archived from the original on 7 April 2013. Retrieved 19 April 2013.
61. "Chennai Metro Rail Limited to assess if suburban trains can have AC coaches". The Times of India . 11 October 2022. Archived from the original on 3 April 2024. Retrieved 1 December 2023.
62. "A first class conundrum for MRTS ticket checkers". The Hindu . 29 December 2015. Archived from the original on 3 April 2024. Retrieved 1 December 2023.
63. "Plan to launch AC coaches on Chennai suburban trains a non-starter". The Times of India . 17 October 2021. Archived from the original on 26 December 2023. Retrieved 1 August 2023.
64. "Indian Railways Time Table" (PDF). Indian Railways. Archived (PDF) from the original on 14 April 2024. Retrieved 31 March 2024.
65. "Beach station awaits makeover as Metro plans MRTS takeover". The New Indian Express . 26 September 2017. Archived from the original on 31 March 2024. Retrieved 1 December 2023.
66. "Chennai: 21-storey building, skywalk part of Broadway bus terminal". The Times of India . 24 February 2022. Archived from the original on 31 March 2024. Retrieved 1 December 2023.
67. "Central to Park station, an ordeal". The Times of India . 11 March 2023. Archived from the original on 31 March 2024. Retrieved 1 December 2023.
68. "Eight biggest railway stations in India". Daily news and analysis . Archived from the original on 12 September 2024. Retrieved 1 December 2023.
69. "Huge crowds throng temples on Vaikunta Ekadasi". The Times of India . 18 December 2010. Archived from the original on 26 December 2023. Retrieved 1 August 2023.
70. "Temples on metro route strike gold". The Times of India . 8 March 2012. Archived from the original on 25 September 2022. Retrieved 1 June 2024.
71. "Mylapore Locals Get a New Stop". The New Indian Express . 15 May 2014. Retrieved 1 December 2023.
72. "IIT Madras to study upgrade of two MRTS stations". The Times of India . 27 January 2024. Archived from the original on 14 February 2024. Retrieved 1 March 2024.
73. "Southern Railway to run special MRTS trains". The Times of India . 21 March 2024. Archived from the original on 28 March 2024. Retrieved 31 March 2024.
74. "MRTS upto St. Thomas Mount back on track". The Hindu . 16 October 2012. Archived from the original on 26 August 2023. Retrieved 1 December 2023.
75. "U-shaped flyover on OMR to be completed by May end". The Hindu . 13 April 2023. Archived from the original on 3 April 2024. Retrieved 1 December 2023.
76. Detailed project report for Chennai Metro (PDF). Chennai Metro (Report). Archived (PDF) from the original on 3 April 2024. Retrieved 1 December 2023.
77. "BRTS: One solution for two problems on OMR". The Times of India . 3 November 2023. Archived from the original on 1 December 2023. Retrieved 1 December 2023.
78. Srivathsan, A. (13 April 2010). "Integrated station at St. Thomas Mount planned". The Hindu . Archived from the original on 8 January 2016. Retrieved 18 August 2012.
79. "Can Chennai's Mass Rapid Transit System revive itself?". Business Today . 16 March 2010. Archived from the original on 11 January 2024. Retrieved 1 December 2023.
80. "Chennai metro map" (PDF). Chennai Metro . Archived (PDF) from the original on 8 December 2023. Retrieved 1 December 2023.
81. Lopez, Aloysius Xavier (5 October 2013). "Amma canteens may soon come up at Chennai's MRTS stations". The Hindu . Archived from the original on 30 September 2021. Retrieved 1 December 2023.
82. "Snazzy food stalls at MRTS stations". Times of India . 27 February 2009. Archived from the original on 3 April 2024. Retrieved 1 December 2023.
83. Ayyappan, V. (30 March 2012). "IRCTC to build food kiosks at MRTS stations off-track". The Times of India . Archived from the original on 26 December 2023. Retrieved 1 December 2023.
84. Narayanan, Vivek (28 September 2013). "Missed a meal? Grab a bite at MRTS station in Chennai". The Hindu . Archived from the original on 8 January 2016. Retrieved 1 December 2023.
85. "IRCTC opens 1st food plaza at Thiruvanmiyur MRTS station". The Times of India . Archived from the original on 2 April 2018. Retrieved 1 December 2023.
86. "Lack of safety measures turn incomplete MRTS stations into death trap". The Times of India . 1 February 2011. Archived from the original on 26 December 2023. Retrieved 1 August 2023.
87. Ayyappan, V. (25 December 2009). "Badly maintained stations hamper optimum patronage". The Times of India . Archived from the original on 26 December 2023. Retrieved 1 August 2023.
88. "Need to integrate MRTS with other public transport systems". Business Line . 25 February 2011. Archived from the original on 3 April 2024. Retrieved 21 August 2023.
89. "Rain leak leaves MRTS stations in mess". The Times of India . 14 November 2008. Archived from the original on 25 September 2022. Retrieved 1 June 2024.
90. "MRTS stations in terrible state after rain". The Times of India . 11 November 2009. Archived from the original on 25 September 2022. Retrieved 1 June 2024.
91. Ashok, Sowmiya (14 July 2011). "How safe is drinking water at train terminals ?". The Hindu . Archived from the original on 5 November 2013. Retrieved 21 August 2012.
92. "Planning, execution and operation of Mass 1Rapid Transit System, Chennai. Chapter III" (PDF). Comptroller and Auditor General of India . Archived (PDF) from the original on 15 April 2024. Retrieved 1 September 2023.
93. Narayanan, Vivek (6 December 2012). "Railway cops shortage hits security at MRTS stations". The Hindu . Archived from the original on 8 December 2012. Retrieved 6 December 2012.
94. Narayanan, Vivek (5 January 2013). "MRTS stations to have 1 entry, exit". The Hindu . Archived from the original on 8 January 2013. Retrieved 5 January 2013.
95. Protection of Passengers and their belongings including Strategy to Control Crime (PDF). Indian Railways (Report). Archived (PDF) from the original on 16 September 2021. Retrieved 1 August 2023.
96. "Chennai Metro rail likely to take over MRTS". Times of India . Archived from the original on 12 November 2020. Retrieved 5 August 2014.
97. "Operational time of MRTS trains revised". The Hindu . 1 July 2012. Archived from the original on 8 July 2012. Retrieved 21 August 2012.
98. Srikanth, R. (18 March 2012). "Technical snag delays MRTS services". The Hindu . Archived from the original on 5 November 2013. Retrieved 21 August 2012.
99. Chennai Beach – Velachery – Chennai Beach Week days service (PDF). Southern Railway zone, Indian Railways (Report). Archived (PDF) from the original on 26 December 2023. Retrieved 1 December 2023.
100. Chennai Beach – Velachery – Chennai Beach Sunday service (PDF). Southern Railway zone, Indian Railways (Report). Archived (PDF) from the original on 6 September 2012. Retrieved 18 August 2012.
101. Subramanian, Karthik (19 August 2012). "Google simplifies public transit information". The Hindu . Archived from the original on 22 August 2012. Retrieved 20 August 2012.
102. Karthikeyan, Hemalatha (20 August 2012). "Mass Rapid Transit System, Metro path map is now part of mobile app". The Times of India . Archived from the original on 26 December 2023. Retrieved 1 August 2023.
103. Kabirdoss, Yogesh (18 February 2012). "Track MRTS trains through SMS". The New Indian Express . Archived from the original on 26 December 2023. Retrieved 1 August 2023.
104. "MRTS fare hike in the offing as Tamil Nadu govt prepares for takeover". The New Indian Express . 5 May 2023. Archived from the original on 3 April 2024. Retrieved 1 December 2023.
105. "Chennai: Post-Metro merger, MRTS fares may go up by five to seven times". The New Indian Express . 20 January 2018. Archived from the original on 3 April 2024. Retrieved 1 December 2023.
106. "First-class MRTS commuters complain of shoddy facilities". The Times of India . 12 December 2018. Archived from the original on 3 April 2024. Retrieved 1 December 2023.
107. Season ticket fare list (PDF). Southern Railway zone, Indian Railways (Report). Archived (PDF) from the original on 3 April 2024. Retrieved 1 December 2023.
108. Narayanan, Vivek (8 May 2012). "Wait for ticket gets painful". The Hindu . Archived from the original on 11 May 2012. Retrieved 21 August 2012.
109. "Tourist Tickets introduced in Chennai Suburban". Southern Railway zone, Indian Railways (Press release). 24 December 2019. Archived from the original on 26 December 2023. Retrieved 1 December 2023.
110. ICF monthly bulletin (PDF). Integral Coach Factory (Report). January 2020. Archived (PDF) from the original on 3 April 2024. Retrieved 1 December 2023.
111. "Southern Railway introduces tourist tickets in Chennai suburban areas". The New Indian Express . 25 December 2019. Archived from the original on 12 September 2024. Retrieved 1 June 2024.
112. "Buy suburban train tickets via app". The Hindu . 1 February 2021. Archived from the original on 26 December 2023. Retrieved 1 December 2023.
113. Srikanth, R. (11 November 2008). "MRTS getting popular, yet it has miles to go". The Hindu . Archived from the original on 10 February 2016. Retrieved 15 August 2012.
114. Updated project brief (PDF). Chennai Metro (Report). p. 4. Archived (PDF) from the original on 26 December 2023. Retrieved 1 December 2023.
115. "20 years on, a favourite with commuters". The Hindu . Archived from the original on 8 January 2016. Retrieved 1 December 2023.
116. Sreevatsan, Ajai (17 January 2012). "Swanky new road, but MTC buses shy away". The Hindu . Archived from the original on 5 July 2012. Retrieved 21 August 2012.
117. Sreevatsan, Ajai (24 February 2010). "Poor patronage for MRTS Ladies Special service". The Hindu . Archived from the original on 26 December 2023. Retrieved 1 August 2023.
118. "CUMTA to promote last mile connectivity at 18 stations". The Times of India . 15 September 2023. Archived from the original on 11 January 2024. Retrieved 1 December 2023.
119. "MRTS specials for 'Arupathumoovar' festival" (Press release). Southern Railway zone, Indian Railways. 7 April 2017. Archived from the original on 26 December 2023. Retrieved 1 August 2023.
120. "Special trains for cricket match". The Hindu . 19 March 2011. Archived from the original on 29 October 2013. Retrieved 18 August 2012.
121. "Special trains on MRTS in view of ICC World Cup Cricket Match". Southern Railway zone, Indian Railways (Press release). Archived from the original on 3 April 2013. Retrieved 18 August 2012.
122. "Thousands throng Marina for Kaanum Pongal". One India News. 17 January 2008. Archived from the original on 29 October 2013. Retrieved 18 August 2012.
123. "Commuters stranded across Tamil Nadu as bus strike enters 4th day". The Economic Times . 7 January 2018. Archived from the original on 26 December 2023. Retrieved 1 August 2023.
124. "Review of First Master Plan, Chapter 1" (PDF). Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority . Archived (PDF) from the original on 3 December 2012. Retrieved 19 August 2012.
125. Ananthakrishnan, G. (23 September 2013). "Not all together here". The Hindu . Archived from the original on 16 October 2013. Retrieved 14 October 2013.
126. "Survey to identify lacunae in facilities near MRTS stations". The Hindu . 19 October 2012. Archived from the original on 21 October 2012. Retrieved 20 October 2012.
127. "Last mile MRTS link likely to redefine train travel in city". The Times of India . 15 March 2012. Archived from the original on 26 December 2023. Retrieved 15 August 2023.
128. Raja Simhan, E. (16 March 2012). "Velachery-St Thomas Mount MRTS link, boon for biz units". Business Line . Archived from the original on 22 August 2012. Retrieved 21 August 2012.
129. "Three avatars of rail services under one house". The Times of India . Archived from the original on 24 December 2023. Retrieved 1 December 2023.
130. "MRTS upto St. Thomas Mount back on track". The Hindu . 16 October 2012. Archived from the original on 8 January 2016. Retrieved 16 October 2012.