Chennai MRTS, or the Chennai Mass Rapid Transit System, is a suburban rail corridor in Chennai, India, operated by Southern Railway of Indian Railways. Opened in 1995, it was the first elevated railway line in India and forms part of the wider public transport system in the city. The route runs from Chennai Beach to St. Thomas Mount, stretches 23.98 km (14.90 miles), and has 21 stations. It is integrated with the suburban rail network, uses broad gauge, and is worked by 9-car electric multiple units powered by 25 kV overhead catenary.
| Key | Information |
|---|---|
| System | Chennai Mass Rapid Transit System (MRTS) |
| City | Chennai, India |
| Operator | Southern Railway of Indian Railways |
| Opened | 1995 |
| Route | Chennai Beach to St. Thomas Mount |
| Length | 23.98 km (14.90 miles) |
| Stations | 21 |
| Daily ridership | About 100,000 passengers as of 2023 |
| Track gauge | Broad gauge |
| Power supply | 25 kV overhead catenary |
Chennai Metro Map
Map of Chennai Metro showing different lines. Click on the map to enlarge it or download the Chennai Metro map in PDF format.
Lines and Stations
The Chennai MRTS route runs from Chennai Beach to St. Thomas Mount and is integrated with the wider suburban railway network. The line is 23.98 km (14.90 miles) long, with 21 stations. Most of it is elevated, while the terminal sections include at-grade track.
From Chennai Beach to Park Town, the path train corridor runs at ground level beside the suburban railway. After Park Town, it rises onto viaduct and broadly follows the Buckingham Canal, then continues parallel to the Coromandel Coast up to Thiruvanmiyur. From there, the route turns west toward Velachery and continues to St. Thomas Mount.
The line opened in stages: Chennai Beach to Chepauk in 1995, extension to Thirumayilai in 1997, Thiruvanmiyur in 2004, Velachery in 2007, and the final extension to St. Thomas Mount on 14 March 2026.
Here is the stations list for the full route.
| Station | Details |
|---|---|
| Chennai Beach | Terminal station; connects with suburban services |
| Chennai Fort | Serves the Broadway area and connects with the South Line |
| Chennai Park Town | Near Chennai Central and an important interchange area |
| Chintadripet | Intermediate station on the central section |
| Chepauk | Close to M. A. Chidambaram Stadium |
| Thiruvallikeni | Near Marina Beach and local attractions |
| Light House | Intermediate station on the coastal stretch |
| Mundagakanniamman Koil | Serves the surrounding neighborhood and temple area |
| Thirumayilai | Major station near Kapaleeshwarar Temple |
| Mandaveli | Intermediate elevated station |
| Greenways Road | Intermediate station on the canal-side section |
| Kotturpuram | Intermediate station |
| Kasturba Nagar | Intermediate station |
| Indira Nagar | Intermediate station |
| Thiruvanmiyur | Key station on the southern coastal section |
| Taramani | Serves the IT corridor area |
| Perungudi | Intermediate station in the southern section |
| Velachery | Major station and former southern terminus |
| Puzhuthivakkam | Station on the extension toward St. Thomas Mount |
| Adambakkam | Intermediate station on the final extension |
| St. Thomas Mount | Terminal station; major interchange with other rail systems |
The MRTS uses the same broad gauge as the Chennai Suburban Railway system, which allows train movements across the wider network. Elevated sections between Thirumayilai and St. Thomas Mount use ballastless track, while the terminal areas and some other sections remain at grade.
Several stations stand out on the stations map for interchange value and nearby landmarks. Chennai Beach connects with suburban rail, Chennai Fort links the Broadway area, Park Town is close to Chennai Central, and St. Thomas Mount is a major junction. Along the route, the system also serves areas near Marina Beach, Parthasarathy Temple, Kapaleeshwarar Temple, and the M. A. Chidambaram Stadium.
Chennai Metro Operating Hours
According to the available source material, Chennai Metro operating hours are 6:00 am to 10:00 pm on weekdays and 8:00 am to 10:00 pm on Sundays. These opening hours, opening times, and working hours are the timetable details provided in the draft source.
Peak hours are usually from 8:30 to 10:30 and from 15:00 to 18:00. During those periods, the train schedule shows a frequency of every 10 minutes.
At off-peak times and on weekends, trains generally run every 15 minutes. If you are checking timings today, schedule today, or the last train and closing time, it is best to confirm the latest timetable before you travel.
The operational control center is located in Koyambedu, where train movements and real-time CCTV footage are monitored.
| Service detail | Timings |
|---|---|
| Weekday operating hours | 6:00 am to 10:00 pm |
| Sunday operating hours | 8:00 am to 10:00 pm |
| Peak hours | 8:30 to 10:30 and 15:00 to 18:00 |
| Peak frequency | Every 10 minutes |
| Off-peak and weekend frequency | Every 15 minutes |
Frequency
Chennai MRTS services run every day, with more frequent service on weekdays than on Sundays. Based on the available schedule, trains usually run every 10 to 20 minutes from Monday to Saturday, while Sunday service is typically around every 20 minutes.
One service summary describes about 70 trains on weekdays, while a 2026 summary notes 86 weekday services on the MRTS line, including slow trains. So the exact timetable and route timetable can vary by service pattern and section.
For practical trip planning, check the latest train schedule before you leave, especially on Sundays, weekends, or during unusual operating conditions.
Fares and Tickets
Chennai MRTS uses a fare structure that includes season tickets for regular travel. Fares are set by distance slab and vary by class, ticket type, and passenger category. The available table mainly covers monthly and quarterly pass options rather than a fare calculator for point-to-point trips.
| Distance | I class Monthly Adult | I class Monthly Child | I class Monthly SC/ST Student | I class Quarterly Adult | I class Quarterly Child | I class Quarterly SC/ST Student | II class Monthly Adult | II class Monthly Child | II class Monthly SC/ST Student | II class Quarterly Adult | II class Quarterly Child | II class Quarterly SC/ST Student |
| 1-5 | ₹240 (US$2.88) | ₹240 (US$2.88) | ₹60 (US$0.72) | ₹650 (US$7.80) | ₹650 (US$7.80) | ₹165 (US$1.98) | ₹60 (US$0.72) | ₹60 (US$0.72) | ₹15 (US$0.18) | ₹165 (US$1.98) | ₹165 (US$1.98) | ₹45 (US$0.54) |
| 6-10 | ₹240 (US$2.88) | ₹240 (US$2.88) | ₹60 (US$0.72) | ₹650 (US$7.80) | ₹650 (US$7.80) | ₹165 (US$1.98) | ₹60 (US$0.72) | ₹60 (US$0.72) | ₹15 (US$0.18) | ₹165 (US$1.98) | ₹165 (US$1.98) | ₹45 (US$0.54) |
| 11-15 | ₹300 (US$3.60) | ₹240 (US$2.88) | ₹75 (US$0.90) | ₹810 (US$9.72) | ₹650 (US$7.80) | ₹205 (US$2.46) | ₹75 (US$0.90) | ₹60 (US$0.72) | ₹20 (US$0.24) | ₹205 (US$2.46) | ₹165 (US$1.98) | ₹55 (US$0.66) |
| 16-20 | ₹360 (US$4.32) | ₹240 (US$2.88) | ₹90 (US$1.08) | ₹975 (US$11.70) | ₹650 (US$7.80) | ₹245 (US$2.94) | ₹90 (US$1.08) | ₹60 (US$0.72) | ₹25 (US$0.30) | ₹245 (US$2.94) | ₹165 (US$1.98) | ₹70 (US$0.84) |
| 21-25 | ₹420 (US$5.04) | ₹240 (US$2.88) | ₹105 (US$1.26) | ₹1,135 (US$13.62) | ₹650 (US$7.80) | ₹285 (US$3.42) | ₹105 (US$1.26) | ₹60 (US$0.72) | ₹30 (US$0.36) | ₹285 (US$3.42) | ₹165 (US$1.98) | ₹85 (US$1.02) |
| 26-30 | ₹420 (US$5.04) | ₹240 (US$2.88) | ₹105 (US$1.26) | ₹1,135 (US$13.62) | ₹650 (US$7.80) | ₹285 (US$3.42) | ₹105 (US$1.26) | ₹60 (US$0.72) | ₹30 (US$0.36) | ₹285 (US$3.42) | ₹165 (US$1.98) | ₹85 (US$1.02) |
| 31-35 | ₹480 (US$5.76) | ₹240 (US$2.88) | ₹120 (US$1.44) | ₹1,300 (US$15.60) | ₹650 (US$7.80) | ₹325 (US$3.90) | ₹120 (US$1.44) | ₹60 (US$0.72) | ₹30 (US$0.36) | ₹325 (US$3.90) | ₹165 (US$1.98) | ₹85 (US$1.02) |
| 36-40 | ₹540 (US$6.48) | ₹270 (US$3.24) | ₹135 (US$1.62) | ₹1,460 (US$17.52) | ₹730 (US$8.76) | ₹365 (US$4.38) | ₹135 (US$1.62) | ₹70 (US$0.84) | ₹35 (US$0.42) | ₹365 (US$4.38) | ₹190 (US$2.28) | ₹95 (US$1.14) |
| 41-45 | ₹600 (US$7.20) | ₹300 (US$3.60) | ₹150 (US$1.80) | ₹1,620 (US$19.44) | ₹810 (US$9.72) | ₹405 (US$4.86) | ₹150 (US$1.80) | ₹75 (US$0.90) | ₹40 (US$0.48) | ₹405 (US$4.86) | ₹205 (US$2.46) | ₹110 (US$1.32) |
| 46-50 | ₹660 (US$7.92) | ₹330 (US$3.96) | ₹165 (US$1.98) | ₹1,785 (US$21.42) | ₹895 (US$10.74) | ₹450 (US$5.40) | ₹165 (US$1.98) | ₹85 (US$1.02) | ₹45 (US$0.54) | ₹450 (US$5.40) | ₹230 (US$2.76) | ₹125 (US$1.50) |
| 51-55 | ₹720 (US$8.64) | ₹360 (US$4.32) | ₹180 (US$2.16) | ₹1,945 (US$23.34) | ₹975 (US$11.70) | ₹490 (US$5.88) | ₹180 (US$2.16) | ₹90 (US$1.08) | ₹45 (US$0.54) | ₹490 (US$5.88) | ₹245 (US$2.94) | ₹125 (US$1.50) |
| 56-60 | ₹780 (US$9.36) | ₹390 (US$4.68) | ₹195 (US$2.34) | ₹2,110 (US$25.32) | ₹1,055 (US$12.66) | ₹530 (US$6.36) | ₹195 (US$2.34) | ₹100 (US$1.20) | ₹50 (US$0.60) | ₹530 (US$6.36) | ₹270 (US$3.24) | ₹135 (US$1.62) |
| 61-65 | ₹780 (US$9.36) | ₹390 (US$4.68) | ₹195 (US$2.34) | ₹2,110 (US$25.32) | ₹1,055 (US$12.66) | ₹530 (US$6.36) | ₹195 (US$2.34) | ₹100 (US$1.20) | ₹50 (US$0.60) | ₹530 (US$6.36) | ₹270 (US$3.24) | ₹135 (US$1.62) |
| 66-70 | ₹840 (US$10.08) | ₹420 (US$5.04) | ₹210 (US$2.52) | ₹2,270 (US$27.24) | ₹1,135 (US$13.62) | ₹570 (US$6.84) | ₹210 (US$2.52) | ₹105 (US$1.26) | ₹55 (US$0.66) | ₹570 (US$6.84) | ₹285 (US$3.42) | ₹150 (US$1.80) |
| 71-75 | ₹900 (US$10.80) | ₹450 (US$5.40) | ₹225 (US$2.70) | ₹2,430 (US$29.16) | ₹1,215 (US$14.58) | ₹610 (US$7.32) | ₹225 (US$2.70) | ₹115 (US$1.38) | ₹60 (US$0.72) | ₹610 (US$7.32) | ₹315 (US$3.78) | ₹165 (US$1.98) |
| 76-80 | ₹960 (US$11.52) | ₹480 (US$5.76) | ₹240 (US$2.88) | ₹2,595 (US$31.14) | ₹1,300 (US$15.60) | ₹650 (US$7.80) | ₹240 (US$2.88) | ₹120 (US$1.44) | ₹60 (US$0.72) | ₹650 (US$7.80) | ₹325 (US$3.90) | ₹165 (US$1.98) |
| 81-85 | ₹1,020 (US$12.24) | ₹510 (US$6.12) | ₹255 (US$3.06) | ₹2,755 (US$33.06) | ₹1,380 (US$16.56) | ₹690 (US$8.28) | ₹255 (US$3.06) | ₹130 (US$1.56) | ₹65 (US$0.78) | ₹690 (US$8.28) | ₹355 (US$4.26) | ₹180 (US$2.16) |
| 86-90 | ₹1,080 (US$12.96) | ₹540 (US$6.48) | ₹270 (US$3.24) | ₹2,920 (US$35.04) | ₹1,460 (US$17.52) | ₹730 (US$8.76) | ₹270 (US$3.24) | ₹135 (US$1.62) | ₹70 (US$0.84) | ₹730 (US$8.76) | ₹365 (US$4.38) | ₹190 (US$2.28) |
| 91-95 | ₹1,080 (US$12.96) | ₹540 (US$6.48) | ₹270 (US$3.24) | ₹2,920 (US$35.04) | ₹1,460 (US$17.52) | ₹730 (US$8.76) | ₹270 (US$3.24) | ₹135 (US$1.62) | ₹70 (US$0.84) | ₹730 (US$8.76) | ₹365 (US$4.38) | ₹190 (US$2.28) |
| 96-100 | ₹1,140 (US$13.68) | ₹570 (US$6.84) | ₹285 (US$3.42) | ₹3,080 (US$36.96) | ₹1,540 (US$18.48) | ₹770 (US$9.24) | ₹285 (US$3.42) | ₹145 (US$1.74) | ₹75 (US$0.90) | ₹770 (US$9.24) | ₹395 (US$4.74) | ₹205 (US$2.46) |
| 101-105 | ₹1,200 (US$14.40) | ₹600 (US$7.20) | ₹300 (US$3.60) | ₹3,240 (US$38.88) | ₹1,620 (US$19.44) | ₹810 (US$9.72) | ₹300 (US$3.60) | ₹150 (US$1.80) | ₹75 (US$0.90) | ₹810 (US$9.72) | ₹405 (US$4.86) | ₹205 (US$2.46) |
| 106-110 | ₹1,200 (US$14.40) | ₹600 (US$7.20) | ₹300 (US$3.60) | ₹3,240 (US$38.88) | ₹1,620 (US$19.44) | ₹810 (US$9.72) | ₹300 (US$3.60) | ₹150 (US$1.80) | ₹75 (US$0.90) | ₹810 (US$9.72) | ₹405 (US$4.86) | ₹205 (US$2.46) |
| 111-115 | ₹1,260 (US$15.12) | ₹630 (US$7.56) | ₹315 (US$3.78) | ₹3,405 (US$40.86) | ₹1,705 (US$20.46) | ₹855 (US$10.26) | ₹315 (US$3.78) | ₹160 (US$1.92) | ₹80 (US$0.96) | ₹855 (US$10.26) | ₹435 (US$5.22) | ₹220 (US$2.64) |
| 116-120 | ₹1,320 (US$15.84) | ₹660 (US$7.92) | ₹330 (US$3.96) | ₹3,565 (US$42.78) | ₹1,785 (US$21.42) | ₹895 (US$10.74) | ₹330 (US$3.96) | ₹165 (US$1.98) | ₹85 (US$1.02) | ₹895 (US$10.74) | ₹450 (US$5.40) | ₹230 (US$2.76) |
| 121-125 | ₹1,320 (US$15.84) | ₹660 (US$7.92) | ₹330 (US$3.96) | ₹3,565 (US$42.78) | ₹1,785 (US$21.42) | ₹895 (US$10.74) | ₹330 (US$3.96) | ₹165 (US$1.98) | ₹85 (US$1.02) | ₹895 (US$10.74) | ₹450 (US$5.40) | ₹230 (US$2.76) |
| 126-130 | ₹1,380 (US$16.56) | ₹690 (US$8.28) | ₹345 (US$4.14) | ₹3,730 (US$44.76) | ₹1,865 (US$22.38) | ₹935 (US$11.22) | ₹345 (US$4.14) | ₹175 (US$2.10) | ₹90 (US$1.08) | ₹935 (US$11.22) | ₹475 (US$5.70) | ₹245 (US$2.94) |
| 131-135 | ₹1,380 (US$16.56) | ₹690 (US$8.28) | ₹345 (US$4.14) | ₹3,730 (US$44.76) | ₹1,865 (US$22.38) | ₹935 (US$11.22) | ₹345 (US$4.14) | ₹175 (US$2.10) | ₹90 (US$1.08) | ₹935 (US$11.22) | ₹475 (US$5.70) | ₹245 (US$2.94) |
| 136-140 | ₹1,440 (US$17.28) | ₹720 (US$8.64) | ₹360 (US$4.32) | ₹3,890 (US$46.68) | ₹1,945 (US$23.34) | ₹975 (US$11.70) | ₹360 (US$4.32) | ₹180 (US$2.16) | ₹90 (US$1.08) | ₹975 (US$11.70) | ₹490 (US$5.88) | ₹245 (US$2.94) |
| 141-145 | ₹1,500 (US$18.00) | ₹750 (US$9.00) | ₹375 (US$4.50) | ₹4,050 (US$48.60) | ₹2,025 (US$24.30) | ₹1,015 (US$12.18) | ₹375 (US$4.50) | ₹190 (US$2.28) | ₹95 (US$1.14) | ₹1,015 (US$12.18) | ₹515 (US$6.18) | ₹260 (US$3.12) |
| 146-150 | ₹1,500 (US$18.00) | ₹750 (US$9.00) | ₹375 (US$4.50) | ₹4,050 (US$48.60) | ₹2,025 (US$24.30) | ₹1,015 (US$12.18) | ₹375 (US$4.50) | ₹190 (US$2.28) | ₹95 (US$1.14) | ₹1,015 (US$12.18) | ₹515 (US$6.18) | ₹260 (US$3.12) |
| 151-155 | ₹1,560 (US$18.72) | ₹780 (US$9.36) | ₹390 (US$4.68) | ₹4,215 (US$50.58) | ₹2,110 (US$25.32) | ₹1,055 (US$12.66) | ₹390 (US$4.68) | ₹195 (US$2.34) | ₹100 (US$1.20) | ₹1,055 (US$12.66) | ₹530 (US$6.36) | ₹270 (US$3.24) |
- The same fare applies to all trips within each distance slab.
- Children aged 5 to 12 pay half fare, subject to the applicable minimum fare.
- Season tickets beyond 150 km are issued only on sections where that facility was already available before 01.04.1951.
- Quarterly season tickets are charged at 2.7 times the normal adult or child monthly season ticket price.
- A safety surcharge is levied additionally.
For single journeys, the minimum second class fare is ₹5 (US$0.06). A second class ticket from Chennai Beach to St. Thomas Mount via Velachery costs ₹10 (US$0.12). First class ticket price is about five times the second class fare. Tickets can be bought at railway ticket counters or booked through a mobile application.
For frequent riders, monthly and quarterly pass options are available. Short-validity tickets for tourists are also mentioned in the source material.
Connections to Other Systems
Chennai MRTS is closely tied to the wider Chennai suburban railway network. Because it uses the same broad gauge, train movements between the suburban system and the MRTS are possible. At the Chennai Beach end, much of the corridor runs parallel to suburban rail lines.
Several stations act as important interchanges within Chennai public transport. Chennai Beach connects with suburban services on the South Line. Chennai Fort links with the South Line and sits close to Broadway. Park Town is near Chennai Central, where passengers can transfer to other suburban lines and long-distance trains. At the southern end, St. Thomas Mount is a major junction for multiple rail systems.
St. Thomas Mount is the key multi-level interchange on the corridor. Suburban and long-distance trains operate at ground level, the MRTS is on the first level, and Chennai Metro operates on the second level. That integrated setup makes transfers more convenient.
There is also a proposed and planned merger with Chennai Metro Rail Limited. In 2017, the state government proposed taking over the MRTS and merging it with Chennai Metro. Southern Railway gave in-principle approval in 2022, and the plan includes upgrades to stations, tracks, security, ticketing, and rolling stock to metro standards.
A light rail link has also been proposed between Tambaram on the suburban network and Velachery on the MRTS. The aim is to improve transportation in Chennai by strengthening connections between urban rail corridors.
Even so, some surveys have pointed to limited inter-modal access at certain stations. Better pedestrian links, feeder routes, and connections to nearby roads and bus stops have all been suggested.
Airport Connections
Chennai MRTS does not directly serve the airport, but it is part of a broader transport network that connects with Chennai Metro and suburban rail. The key interchange for airport-bound travel is St. Thomas Mount, where MRTS meets the Green Line of Chennai Metro.
From there, passengers can continue through the wider rail system. Chennai Metro’s Blue Line serves Chennai Airport, while future integration plans are intended to make transfers between suburban rail, MRTS, and metro smoother.
The main interchange points for airport travel are listed below.
| Station | Details |
|---|---|
| St. Thomas Mount | MRTS terminus with Chennai Metro Green Line connection |
| Chennai Airport | Served by Chennai Metro Blue Line |
| Tirusulam | Suburban rail station near the airport, mentioned in proposed connection plans |
So while the MRTS itself does not run to the airport, it still works as part of a practical airport route through the city transport network.
Tips and Rules
For a smoother and safer trip on Chennai MRTS, keep your ticket ready and follow the basic station and onboard rules. A little care goes a long way, especially during busy periods.
- Stand in queue.
- Limit your baggage to 25 kg, with size not exceeding 80 cm x 50 cm x 30 cm.
- Stand on the left side of the escalator.
- Move away from escalators immediately after use.
- Show your ticket when asked by metro personnel.
- Take care of your valuables.
- Offer your seat to ladies with infants, pregnant passengers, and elderly passengers.
- Use the dustbins and do not litter.
- Make way for physically challenged passengers.
- Contact the Station Controller or Customer Care for assistance.
Do not travel without a valid CMRL ticket, and do not share your card or token with another person during the same journey.
- Do not cross the yellow line on the platform.
- Do not step onto the metro tracks.
- Do not jump over the ticket barrier.
- Do not try to force the train doors open.
- Do not deface or put up posters inside the station or train.
- Do not carry firearms or knives.
- Do not smoke.
- Do not consume eatables inside station premises or on trains.
- Do not bring pets inside metro premises or trains.
Dangerous and offensive materials are not allowed. These include explosive substances, compressed gases, inflammable liquids, poisonous substances, acids, radioactive substances, weapons, corpses, carcasses, bones other than bleached and cleaned bones, fertilizer or manure, oily rags, decayed animal or vegetable matter, human ashes, human skeletons, and parts of the human body. Live animals and birds are also banned, except for sniffer dogs carried by security staff on duty.
Passengers suffering from an infectious or contagious disease should not travel by metro railway, except for a closed non-infective leprosy patient carrying a medical certificate.
For assistance, the 24/7 helpline is 1860-425-1515 and the Women’s Helpline is 155370. Online complaints are also available.
History
The history of Chennai MRTS goes back to earlier plans for a stronger rail-based city transport network in Madras. Suburban rail services in Chennai began in 1931, and in 1965 the Planning Commission created a study group to examine transport development in major Indian cities. Later surveys, including the Madras Area Transportation Study, identified major corridors and recommended a rail-based system along the Buckingham Canal with links to the suburban network.
The Government of India approved the MRTS in 1983-84, with implementation planned in four phases. Construction began in 1991. The first section, from Chennai Beach to Chepauk, opened in 1995 and became India’s first elevated railway line. The line then reached Thirumayilai in 1997.
Phase II opened in stages. The section from Thirumayilai to Thiruvanmiyur entered service in 2004, and the extension to Velachery followed in 2007. Work on the final extension from Velachery to St. Thomas Mount started in 2008 but was delayed for years by land acquisition issues, legal disputes, and repeated deadline changes. After trial runs in March 2026, the extension was completed and opened in March 2026.
Later MRTS phases were shelved after overlapping with proposed Chennai Metro routes. In 2017, further expansion was put on hold, and the system was proposed for takeover by Chennai Metro Rail Limited. Southern Railway granted in-principle approval in 2022, though the broader merger and transfer process was still pending in later developments.
The system was designed as an elevated railway to reduce land acquisition problems in congested parts of the city. Today it runs from Chennai Beach to St. Thomas Mount and remains part of the wider suburban rail network.
| Key opening milestones | Date |
| Chennai Beach to Chepauk | 1995 |
| Extension to Thirumayilai | 1997 |
| Thirumayilai to Thiruvanmiyur | 2004 |
| Thiruvanmiyur to Velachery | 2007 |
| Velachery to St. Thomas Mount | March 2026 |
Future Expansions
The earlier Phase III and Phase IV expansion proposals, which were meant to connect St. Thomas Mount with Villivakkam and Villivakkam with Ennore, have been shelved because they overlap with planned Chennai Metro extensions.
In early 2024, a feasibility report was submitted for a new 43.63 km (27.11 miles) line between Poonamallee and the planned new airport at Parandur. The proposal includes 19 stations and is estimated to cost ₹107.12 billion (US$1.3 billion).
Another major future step is the possible takeover of the MRTS by Chennai Metro Rail Limited. The idea was first proposed in 2017, and Southern Railway gave in-principle approval in May 2022. If the transfer goes ahead, the system would be upgraded to metro standards, including stations, tracks, ticketing, security, and rolling stock.
As of July 2024, the transfer was still pending because approval from the Indian Railway Board had not yet been granted.
Chennai Metro Park and Ride
The Chennai MRTS is closely connected to the wider rail network, and its interchange stations make park and ride a practical option for some commuters. The line links with suburban rail and, at places like St. Thomas Mount, with Chennai Metro. That gives passengers a workable route plan combining different rail modes on one trip.
Official planning materials for Chennai Metro also highlight park and ride facilities, especially for two-wheelers, as part of improving access to the rail system. The goal is to support easier transfers between metro, suburban rail, MRTS, bus services, and other feeder transport.
Available materials also mention station parking, parking capacity and availability, and parking tariff information. So parking charges and parking charges per day are treated as part of the wider access plan, although no specific price figures are given in the source.
The most useful stations for interchange-led park and ride are listed below.
| Station | Details |
|---|---|
| Chennai Beach | Important interchange with suburban rail services |
| Chennai Fort | Useful connection point within the central city |
| Chennai Central | Major nearby rail hub for onward travel |
| Park Town | Close to Chennai Central and suburban connections |
| St. Thomas Mount | Key interchange with suburban rail and Chennai Metro |
Interesting Facts
Chennai MRTS opened in 1995 and was the first elevated railway line in India. It is operated by Southern Railway and forms part of the wider suburban rail system in Chennai.
The line runs from Chennai Beach to St. Thomas Mount, covering 23.98 km (14.90 miles) with 21 stations. It starts at grade, rises near Park Town, and then follows the Buckingham Canal for much of the route.
One of its most notable technical features is the use of broad gauge, the same as the suburban network. That allows train movements between the two systems. The trains are 9-car electric multiple units powered by 25 kV overhead catenary.
The rolling stock is built by the Integral Coach Factory in Chennai. Coaches are not air-conditioned and include first-class and second-class seating.
As of 2023, the system carried about 100,000 passengers per day. Beach, Thirumayilai, and Velachery together account for nearly 40 percent of ridership.
The route is also closely tied to the city’s broader rail network. At St. Thomas Mount, MRTS connects with suburban rail and Chennai Metro, creating one of the city’s most important interchanges.
In 2022, Southern Railway gave in-principle approval for a takeover by Chennai Metro Rail Limited, with plans to upgrade stations, coaches, and other infrastructure to metro standards.
Nearby Attractions
Chennai MRTS gives easy access to a mix of landmarks, leisure spots, and everyday destinations. For visitors as well as locals, it can be a practical part of getting around the city.
- Broadway commercial area is connected by Chennai Fort station.
- Chennai Central is close to Park Town station, making transfers to other suburban lines and long-distance trains simple.
- Parthasarathy Temple, Kapaleeshwarar Temple, and Mundagakanniamman Koil are located near the MRTS line.
- Marina Beach runs along a stretch of the route near Thiruvallikeni station.
- M. A. Chidambaram Stadium is close to Chepauk station.
- Old Mahabalipuram Road (OMR), part of Chennai’s information technology corridor, is also served by the MRTS alignment.
These links make the MRTS useful for both sightseeing and daily travel across Chennai.