Final Stretch of Chennai MRTS Expansion to St Thomas Mount Expected by March 2025
The Velachery-St Thomas Mount extension of Chennai`s Mass Rapid Transit System (MRTS) is anticipated to bring significant improvements to the city’s public transportation network. This long-delayed project, which began in 2008 with an initial budget of ₹495 crore, has faced cost escalations and now stands at ₹734 crore. Despite the challenges, the extension is expected to be operational by March 2025, potentially benefiting nearly 5 lakh commuters daily.
Project Highlights
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New Stations: The extension will introduce three stations: Puzhuthivakkam, Adambakkam, and St Thomas Mount.
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Improved Connectivity: At St Thomas Mount, the MRTS will seamlessly connect with both the Chennai Suburban Railway and Chennai Metro, enhancing travel options across the city and improving accessibility between its northern and southern regions.
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Key Milestone Achieved: The completion of the final girder on the 500-metre stretch between Adambakkam and St Thomas Mount marks the end of major civil work.
Challenges and Interim Solutions
The project has experienced delays due to various factors, including the need for additional time to install piers and obtain safety clearances. Although the completion date is targeted for March 2025, there are calls for interim measures to improve commuter convenience, such as extending a portion of MRTS services to Adambakkam to ease congestion at Velachery.
Commuter Issues and Suggestions
Commuters have raised concerns over reduced train frequency on the MRTS route. Train intervals, previously 7-9 minutes during peak hours, have reportedly stretched to 15 minutes, leading to overcrowding. Increasing train frequency during peak hours has been suggested as an immediate solution to accommodate the growing number of passengers.
Future Prospects
The proposal for the MRTS operations to be taken over by Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) is under consideration, and there is growing support for reviving the Phase-II extension from Velachery to Tambaram. This extension is viewed as a critical addition to the suburban transit network.
The Velachery-St Thomas Mount extension is poised to enhance Chennai`s urban mobility and provide much-needed relief to daily commuters. However, addressing current operational challenges and ensuring timely completion will be essential for the project’s success.
