Tamil NaduThursday, 20 August 2026·Hindu Tamil Thisai
MRTS to be integrated with Chennai Metro in 2 years after Railway Ministry approval
The Railway Ministry has approved integrating Chennai’s MRTS with Chennai Metro, with a 2-year transition and asset transfer in 90 days.
Key highlights
Direct fact
In August 2026, the Railway Ministry gave final approval to integrate Chennai’s Mass Rapid Transit System (MRTS), which has been operating since 1997, with Chennai Metro Rail, and the transition period is set at 2 years.
Key specifics
- The MRTS route from Chennai Beach to Velachery is 19 km long, and the extension up to Parangimalai has taken the total to 23.98 km.
- About 1 lakh passengers use the MRTS trains every day.
- Southern Railway will hand over assets and general operations and maintenance, except core train operations and maintenance, within 90 days.
- The Railway Board had given in-principle approval on 31 July 2025 before the Railway Ministry’s final approval.
- Planned upgrades include AC trains, parking, CCTV cameras, escalators and lifts during the 2-year transition.
Exam lens
Question type: transport governance and chronology, key facts: 1997 start, 19 km, 23.98 km, 1 lakh daily passengers, 31 July 2025 approval. TNPSC may ask the difference between in-principle approval and final approval.