The long-pending merger of Chennai’s Mass Rapid Transit System (MRTS) with the Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) is showing fresh signs of progress. The Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) has reportedly directed the Railway Board to expedite the integration process — a long-standing demand that has lingered for over a decade without decisive action.
This development comes shortly after the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu submitted a formal request during a meeting with the Prime Minister at the recent NITI Aayog summit. Among the state’s key priorities was the proposed transfer of MRTS operations from Indian Railways to CMRL — a move considered essential for achieving integrated and commuter-friendly urban transport in the city.Officials from the Chennai Unified Metropolitan Transport Authority (CUMTA), the nodal agency overseeing the project, confirmed that the PMO has nudged the Railway Board to fast-track its decision. In response, the Board had issued a set of clarifications to the Southern Railway, all of which, officials say, have now been addressed.
Despite being operational for years, the MRTS — a suburban rail corridor currently running between Chennai Beach and Velachery — has struggled with underutilisation, poor station infrastructure, and suboptimal passenger experience. In stark contrast, Chennai Metro has become a model of efficient and modern urban transit, known for its air-conditioned coaches, clean stations, and integrated ticketing system.CUMTA, which submitted a detailed proposal to the Railway Board in early 2024, highlighted the cost implications of the MRTS network. With an annual operational cost of nearly ₹104 crore and revenue of just ₹50 crore, the MRTS has been operating at a deficit, making its merger with the financially and operationally stronger CMRL a logical next step.
While the bureaucratic process has dragged on, commuters and transport activists have grown increasingly frustrated with the delay. Regular users of the MRTS — particularly those living in southern suburbs such as Adyar, Taramani, and Velachery — say the current system lacks both comfort and reliability. Poor maintenance, minimal security, and unclean stations have deterred many from using the corridor.By contrast, the Chennai Metro has demonstrated the benefits of a more modern and integrated approach to public transport. The potential merger is expected to not only improve operational efficiency but also enhance last-mile connectivity, fare integration, and station infrastructure — ultimately creating a more equitable and inclusive transit system for the city.
Transport officials have maintained that the merger, once cleared by the Railway Board, will require significant structural, administrative, and technical coordination. Yet, the growing political momentum and support from both state and central governments signal a strong likelihood of movement in the coming months.
As Chennai continues its ambitious journey toward becoming a more sustainable and commuter-friendly city, the MRTS-CMRL merger could become a defining moment in its transit evolution. For the thousands who rely on public transport daily, the hope is that this integration will finally translate from files and boardrooms into a cleaner, faster, and safer reality.
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