Many of the buildings adjoining and opposite to Chennai Central station are being demolished to pave way for Metro Rail. But the good news is a century-old Ramasamy Mudaliar Choultry opposite the Central railway station will stay but other commercial structures on the property, except a hotel, will have to make way for metro rail. The Chennai Metro Rail Limited has assured the Madras high court since there was a petition with regard to this was filed, that it would not demolish the heritage structure for its project.
The Choultry (lodging house) came into existence after the government allotted land in August 1888 with a condition that it be given to train travelers free of cost. The government also made it clear that it could take back the 1.33-acre land without paying any compensation if it is used for any other purpose.