After the merging of metro and MRTS, Perungudi-Cuddalore link might be shifted to Chengalpet
Posted on: 13/Jul/2018 9:46:44 AM
According to some official sources it is now brought out that the southern railways proposed Chennai-Cuddalore rail link from Perungudi might be shifted to Chengalpet. This shifting would take place once the CMRL or Chennai Metro Rail Limited and MRTS or Mass Rapid Transport System get merged.
It must not be forgotten that a decade ago southern railway had proposed for the Chennai-Cuddalore rail link from Perungudi along the ECR. This rail link would pass through Mahabalipuram and Puducherry. According to the sources, this 179km rail line project which is a mammoth 1200 crore project would be hit and might be shifted to Chengalpet from Perungudi. The starting point might shift to Chengalpet if the operation of the MRTS is given to CMRL. This was also confirmed by the sources. Before merging the consultants have been asked to study the land value and assets plus nomination of share between railways and metro rail.
It must be noted that the consultants would be playing their part in studying about acquiring the railways stake in MRTS. Both Union Ministry of Urban Development as well as Tamil Nadu government would be making their presence felt in acquiring the railways stake in MRTS.
One important point to mention is there was a suggestion to have the Union Ministry for Urban Development as one of the share holders. This would be beneficial as it could result in the communication between the two union government departments over acquiring the stake in the Ministry of Railways.
The latest news now is for the stake holder inclusiveness the state government has sought to appoint nodal officers from 4 line departments and these departments include Chennai Metro Rail and Southern Railways. As per the sources it is now clear that completion the study on time would be possible because the study team would get support.
Based on the previous data, the popular consultants PWC and Barsyl have been asked to make projections on the revenue after takeover. Operational issues such as merger, transfer, takeover etc would be considered. According to railway sources, Beach station would be divided or bifurcated. This Beach station is one of the oldest stations in the suburban railway network is well known. For this bifurcation the assets of MRTS as well as southern railway are being identified to be handed over.
To review pros and cons of the inter-operability and operational issues between MRTS and suburban network after the merger mainly between Beach and Port stations, the consultants have been instructed. Fort suburban station was initially considered as the terminus for MRTS services but Fort station did not have sufficient land. Hence Beach station was considered as the terminal for MRTS services as it had adequate land.
