As a part of efforts to expand the MRTS network, the Tamil Nadu government
has started to work on a business plan. Currently, MRTS is suffering a loss of
about INR 85 crore annually as the operation and maintenance expenditure is to
the tune of INR 105 crore, but the revenue generated is just INR 20 crore.
In a measure to revive it, the Chennai Unified Metropolitan Transport Authority
(Cumta) has planned to take several measures to increase both ticketing and
non-ticketing revenue by introducing A/C coaches, increasing frequency and
generating non-ticketing revenue by setting up micro malls in stations.
The existing railway stations between Chennai Beach station to Velacherry will
be upgraded and various facilities including shopping malls, restaurants and
parking will be established. Initially Velachery, Taramani and Thiruvanmiyur
MRTS stations have been identified for commercial development. They will
have mini shopping malls.
