View source for Chennai Mass Rapid Transit System

{{Short description|Metropolitan elevated railway line in Chennai, India}}
{{good article}}
{{about|the suburban railway|the urban transit system|Chennai Metro}}
{{EngvarB|date=April 2014}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=December 2020}}
{{Infobox public transit
| name=Chennai Mass Rapid Transit System
| image=Indian Railways Suburban Railway Logo.svg
| imagesize=100px
| alt=
| caption=
| image2=Velachery Railway station June 2010.jpg
| imagesize2=300
| caption2=Velachery MRTS Station
| native_name=
| owner=[[Southern Railway (India)|Southern Railway]]
| area served=
| locale=[[Chennai]], [[Tamil Nadu]], India
| transit_type=[[Rapid transit|Rapid Transit]]
| lines=1
| line_number=
| start=[[Chennai Beach railway station|Chennai Beach]]
| end=[[Velachery railway station|Velachery]]
| stations=18
| annual_ridership=
| chief_executive=
| website={{URL|www.sr.indianrailways.gov.in|}}
| began_operation={{start date and age|df=yes|16 November 1995}}
| operator=[[Southern Railway (India)|Southern Railway]]
| marks=
| character=
| vehicles=
| train_length=9 coaches
| system_length={{cvt|19.34|km}}
| track_gauge={{track gauge|5ft6in|lk=on}}
| el={{25 kV 50 Hz}} [[Overhead line|overhead catenary]]
| map={{MRTS (Chennai)}}
| map_state=collapsed
| ridership=100,000 (2023)<ref name="Rider">{{cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/velachery-st-thomas-mount-mrts-stretch-to-get-metro-like-facilities/articleshow/97675235.cms|title=Velachery-St Thomas Mount MRTS stretch to get metro like stations|date=7 February 2023|newspaper=[[Times of India]]|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=15 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231215180507/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/velachery-st-thomas-mount-mrts-stretch-to-get-metro-like-facilities/articleshow/97675235.cms|url-status=live}}</ref>
| headquarters=Chennai
| minimum_radius_of_curvature=
| notrack=2
}}
The '''Chennai Mass Rapid Transit System''', commonly referred to as '''Chennai MRTS''', is a metropolitan rail transit system in [[Chennai]], [[India]]. It is operated by [[Southern Railway zone|Southern Railway]] of the state-owned [[Indian Railways]]. Opened in 1995, it was the first [[elevated railway]] line in India. The railway line runs from [[Chennai Beach railway station|Chennai Beach]] to [[Velachery railway station|Velachery]], covering a distance of {{cvt|19.34|km}} with 18 stations and is integrated with the wider [[Chennai Suburban Railway|Chennai suburban railway]] network.

While the suburban railway has been operational in Chennai since 1931, the [[Planning Commission (India)|Planning Commission]] of [[Government of India]] formed a research group to recommend development of transportation in major cities including Madras in 1965. The Madras Area Transportation Study Unit identified eight transport corridors including the {{cvt|39|km}} north–southeastern rail corridor along the [[Buckingham Canal]]. The [[Government of India]] approved a [[Mass Rapid Transit System]] for the southern section in 1983–84 with the project to be implemented in four phases. The project was implemented by the [[Ministry of Railways (India)|Ministry of Railways]] and construction began in 1991. The first phase from Chennai Beach to [[Chepauk railway station|Chepauk]] was completed in 1995 with further extension to [[Thirumayilai railway station|Thirumayilai]] in 1997. Part of second phase from Thirumayilai to [[Thiruvanmiyur railway station|Thiruvanmiyur]] was completed in 2004 with further extension to Velachery in 2007. {{As of|January 2024}}, a planned extension to [[St. Thomas Mount (Chennai Suburban Railway)|St. Thomas Mount]] is under construction.

The Chennai MRTS line is largely [[elevated railway|elevated]] with [[at-grade crossing|at-grade]] sections at its terminals. The line runs at-grade initially till [[Chennai Park Town railway station|Park Town]], parallel to the suburban railway network. It becomes elevated thereon, roughly following the course of the [[Buckingham Canal]] and running parallel to the [[Coromandel Coast]] till Thiruvanmiyur before deviating west towards Velachery. It uses the same [[5 ft 6 in gauge railway|broad gauge]] (5&nbsp;ft 6in) as the suburban system, thus allowing the movements of trains between the existing suburban lines and the MRTS. The Chennai MRTS uses 9-car [[Electric multiple unit|electrical multiple unit]] (EMU) train sets. The trains use [[25 kV AC railway electrification|25 kV]] [[overhead catenary]] for [[Railway electric traction|traction]]. The coaches are manufactured by the [[Integral Coach Factory|Integral Coach Factory, Chennai]]. The coaches are not air-conditioned and are equipped with first-class and second-class passenger seating.

{{As of|2023}}, the system has a daily ridership of 100,000. With the implementation of the [[Chennai Metro Rail]] starting in 2015 and planned expansion of the same, further expansion of the MRTS system was put on hold in 2017, with the plans for the MRTS system to be taken over by [[Chennai Metro Rail Limited]]. In 2022, the [[Southern Railway zone|Southern Railway]] of Indian Railways gave an in-principle approval for the take-over under which the coaches, stations and other infrastructure will be upgraded on par with the Chennai Metro.

== Background ==
The [[Chennai Suburban Railway]] started operations in 1931 on a single electrified line from [[Chennai Beach railway station|Chennai Beach]] to [[Tambaram railway station|Tambaram]]. Suburban services commenced on the second line between [[Chennai Central]] and [[Gummidipoondi]] in 1985 the third line from Central towards [[Arakkonam Junction railway station|Arakkonam]] was added later.<ref name="SR">{{cite report|url=https://sr.indianrailways.gov.in/uploads/files/1325745996774-about.pdf|title=Chennai Division, SR|work=[[Southern Railway zone]]|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=15 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231215180509/https://sr.indianrailways.gov.in/uploads/files/1325745996774-about.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite report|url=https://ta.chennaimetrorail.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2015/11/project_brief_updated_aug081.pdf|title=Chennai Metro, project brief|work=[[Chennai Metro Rail Limited]]|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=26 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231226091808/https://ta.chennaimetrorail.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2015/11/project_brief_updated_aug081.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> In 1965, the [[Planning Commission (India)|Planning Commission]] formed a group to study the suitability of the existing transportation network, to ascertain the viability of various ways of transportation and advocate plans for the expansion of transportation in metropolitan cities including Madras.<ref>{{cite report|url=https://mrvc.indianrailways.gov.in/works/uploads/File/Institutional%20Development%20of%20the%20suburban%20rail%20system%20(TA2)(1).pdf|title=Institutional Development of Suburban Rail systems|work=[[Indian Railway]]|access-date=1 December 2023|page=10|quote=This was appreciated by the Planning Commission way back in 1965, when it took the initiative to set up Metropolitan Transport Teams (MTT) to study the transport problems of the first four metropolitan cities of Bombay, Calcutta, Delhi and Madras and to recommend policies and programs for their improvement.|archive-date=2 April 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240402081546/https://mrvc.indianrailways.gov.in/works/uploads/File/Institutional%20Development%20of%20the%20suburban%20rail%20system%20(TA2)(1).pdf|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="CAG">{{cite report|title=Report No.5 of 2006 (Railways)|url=https://cag.gov.in/uploads/old_reports/union/union_compliance/2005_2006/Railways/Report_No_5/chap_3.pdf|work=[[Comptroller and Auditor General of India]]|access-date=26 December 2023|page=2-3|archive-date=15 April 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240415020150/https://cag.gov.in/uploads/old_reports/union/union_compliance/2005_2006/Railways/Report_No_5/chap_3.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref>

=== Planning ===
Surveys were conducted to supplement the existing transport infrastructure in Madras, such as the Madras Area Transportation Study (1968), Integrated Transport Plan (1977) and Madras Route Rationalisation Study (1986).<ref>{{cite report|url=https://www.cmdachennai.gov.in/Volume3_English_PDF/Vol3_Chapter05_Traffic%20and%20Transportation.pdf|title=Traffic and Transportation in CMA|work=[[Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority]]|access-date=1 December 2023|page=1|archive-date=23 September 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230923070102/https://www.cmdachennai.gov.in/Volume3_English_PDF/Vol3_Chapter05_Traffic%20and%20Transportation.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> The Madras Area Transportation Study Unit (MATSU) identified eight important transport corridors including the north–southeastern rail corridor connecting [[Kasturba Nagar, Chennai|Kasturba Nagar]] and [[Manali, Chennai|Manali Road]]. The study suggested the implementation of a rail-based [[Mass Rapid Transit System]] (MRTS) on the southern section of the line along the [[Buckingham Canal]], connecting to the existent suburban system.<ref name="INAE">{{cite report|title=Indian Engineering Heritage|url=https://www.inae.in/wp-content/themes/fortuna-child/img/IEH-Railways%20Third%20Report.pdf|pages=41–43|access-date=1 December 2023|work=[[Indian National Academy of Engineering]]|archive-date=26 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231226091808/https://www.inae.in/wp-content/themes/fortuna-child/img/IEH-Railways%20Third%20Report.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> The system was envisaged as a {{convert|59.38|km|mi|abbr=on}} loop line connecting Chennai Beach and [[Tiruvottiyur]].<ref>{{cite news|last=Sreevatsan|first=Ajai|title=Metro Rail may take over MRTS|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|location=Chennai|date=10 August 2010|url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-tamilnadu/metro-rail-may-take-over-mrts/article562317.ece|access-date=19 August 2012|archive-date=10 February 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160210143554/http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-tamilnadu/metro-rail-may-take-over-mrts/article562317.ece|url-status=live}}</ref>

Since the planned railway line would pass through congested parts of the city, an elevated rail system was selected, to avoid land acquisition problems.<ref name="MRTS">{{cite news|title=Mass rejected transit system|newspaper=Business Today|date=4 April 2010|url=http://businesstoday.intoday.in/story/mass-rejected-transit-system/1/5396.html|access-date=15 August 2012|archive-date=7 July 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120707020812/http://businesstoday.intoday.in/story/mass-rejected-transit-system/1/5396.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The project was intended to be implemented in four phases: Chennai Beach to [[Thirumayilai railway station|Thirumayilai]], Tirumayilai to [[St. Thomas Mount (Chennai Suburban Railway)|St. Thomas Mount]], St. Thomas Mount to [[Villivakkam railway station|Villivakkam]] and Villivakkam to [[Ennore railway station|Ennore]].<ref name="MRTS1"/><ref name="Project">{{cite web|title=Towards a discussion of support to Urban Transport development in India, March 2005|url=http://siteresources.worldbank.org/INTSARREGTOPTRANSPORT/Resources/UrbanTransportSectorStrategyNote.pdf|work=[[World Bank]]|pages=22, 52|access-date=25 October 2012|archive-date=20 October 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121020125646/http://siteresources.worldbank.org/INTSARREGTOPTRANSPORT/Resources/UrbanTransportSectorStrategyNote.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref>

== Construction and opening ==
[[File:Chennai_Metro_Map.svg|thumb|Railway map of the Chennai showing the MRTS line in olive green]]

=== Phase I ===
The project was sanctioned for implementation by the [[Ministry of Railways (India)|Ministry of Railways]], [[Government of India]] in 1983-84.<ref name="CAG"/><ref name="MRTS1">{{cite web|title=Development of MRTS in Chennai|url=http://www.cmdachennai.gov.in/mrts_phase1.html|work=[[Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority]]|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=12 July 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230712090557/https://www.cmdachennai.gov.in/mrts_phase1.html|url-status=live}}</ref> After multiple delays, construction began in 1991 and part of the first phase from Chennai Beach to [[Chepauk railway station|Chepauk]] was completed in 1995.<ref name="INAE"/><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/economy/logistics/mrts-connectivity-from-velachery-to-st-thomas-mount-to-be-ready-by-march/article66081326.ece|title=MRTS connectivity from Velachery to St Thomas Mount to be ready by March|date=1 November 2022|access-date=1 December 2023|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|archive-date=1 November 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231101090921/https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/economy/logistics/mrts-connectivity-from-velachery-to-st-thomas-mount-to-be-ready-by-march/article66081326.ece|url-status=live}}</ref> It became operational on 16 November 1995 and was the first operational elevated railway line in India. The line was extended to Thirumayilai in 1997.<ref name="INAE"/><ref name="MRTS1"/> The cost of construction of the first phase between Chennai Beach and Thirumayilai, estimated to be {{INRconvert|2.8|b|year=1997}}, was fully financed by the Government of India.<ref name="INAE"/> The first phase was projected to serve about 600,000 passengers per day.<ref name="Project"/><ref>{{cite news|title=MRTS work in progress|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=3YhlAAAAIBAJ&pg=813,1543448&dq=mrts-project-work-in-progress&hl=en|access-date=18 September 2012|newspaper=[[New Indian Express]]|date=16 July 1994|archive-date=26 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210926143344/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=3YhlAAAAIBAJ&pg=813,1543448&dq=mrts-project-work-in-progress&hl=en|url-status=live}}</ref>

=== Phase II ===
RITES conducted further studies in 1987 and 1994 on the effectiveness of the existing public transport system for the growing population. The studies proposed further expansion of the MRTS line. In 1998, the Railway Board sanctioned Phase II of the project from Thirumayilai to [[Velachery railway station|Velachery]].<ref name="CAG" /> Part of the Phase II line from Thirumaylai to [[Thiruvanmiyur railway station|Thiruvanmiyur]] was opened on 26 January 2004.<ref>{{cite news|title=MRTS services extended|url=http://www.thehindubusinessline.in/2004/01/27/stories/2004012701031100.htm|access-date=29 July 2012|newspaper=[[Business Line]]|date=27 January 2004|archive-date=29 October 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131029205707/http://www.thehindubusinessline.in/2004/01/27/stories/2004012701031100.htm|url-status=live}}</ref> It initially consisted of a single line of track for both forward and return journeys.<ref>{{cite news|first1=T. E.|last1=Raja Simhan|first2=M.|last2=Ramesh|title=Extended MRTS stretch in Chennai ready for inauguration|url=http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/todays-paper/tp-logistics/article1666758.ece|access-date=18 August 2012|newspaper=[[Business Line]]|date=18 August 2007|archive-date=29 October 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131029201813/http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/todays-paper/tp-logistics/article1666758.ece|url-status=live}}</ref> On 19 November 2007, the network was extended from Thiruvanmiyur to Velachery.<ref>{{cite news|title=Tiruvanmiyur-Velachery MRTS service opened|url=http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/todays-paper/tp-logistics/article1675152.ece|access-date=21 August 2012|newspaper=[[Business Line]]|date=20 November 2007|archive-date=29 October 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131029200725/http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/todays-paper/tp-logistics/article1675152.ece|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite report|title=Traffic and Transportation, Chapter 5|url=http://www.cmdachennai.gov.in/Volume3_English_PDF/Vol3_Chapter05_Traffic%20and%20Transportation.pdf|work=[[Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority]]|access-date=19 August 2012|archive-date=31 January 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120131172239/http://www.cmdachennai.gov.in/Volume3_English_PDF/Vol3_Chapter05_Traffic%20and%20Transportation.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|first=Ajai|last=Sreevatsan|title=Evolution of Chennai's Public Transport System|url=http://www.thehindu.com/multimedia/archive/00824/Evolution_of_Chenna_824269a.pdf|access-date=29 February 2012|work=[[The Hindu]]|date=31 October 2011|archive-date=5 November 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131105193053/http://www.thehindu.com/multimedia/archive/00824/Evolution_of_Chenna_824269a.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> While the state government gave only the required land for the first phase, it contributed two-thirds of the total project cost of {{INRconvert|6.91|b}} for the second phase.<ref name="CAG" /><ref name="INAE" /><ref>{{cite news|title=MRTS Phase II: Three steel girders installed across existing tracks|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/mrts-phase-ii-three-steel-girders-installed-across-existing-tracks-near-st-thomas-mount-station-using-six-giant-cranes/articleshow/104859971.cms|access-date=1 December 2023|date=31 October 2023|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|archive-date=26 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231226132425/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/mrts-phase-ii-three-steel-girders-installed-across-existing-tracks-near-st-thomas-mount-station-using-six-giant-cranes/articleshow/104859971.cms|url-status=live}}</ref>

=== Phase II extension ===
The construction for the extended second phase of the project connecting Velachery with St. Thomas Mount started in 2008. It was planned at an estimated cost of {{INRconvert|7.33|b}} with the central government bearing two-thirds of the cost and the state government bearing the rest.<ref name="MRTS1"/><ref>{{cite news|title=Velachery-St Thomas Mount MRTS by 2022-end|newspaper=[[The New Indian Express]]|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/amp/story/cities/chennai/2021/dec/28/velachery-st-thomas-mount-mrts-by-2022-end-2400456.html|date=28 December 2021|access-date=16 January 2022|archive-date=15 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220115214151/https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/chennai/2021/dec/28/velachery-st-thomas-mount-mrts-by-2022-end-2400456.amp|url-status=live}}</ref> The initial planned alignment was altered subsequently and necessitated the demolition of over 70 residential units, which led to protests by the locals.<ref>{{cite news|title=Protest against MRTS corridor realignment|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|location=Chennai|date=2 October 2010|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/article809134.ece|access-date=15 August 2012|archive-date=16 April 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140416175322/http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/article809134.ece|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Threat of relocation evokes protests as Southern Railway alters MRTS alignment|location=Chennai|date=1 August 2010|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/threat-of-relocation-evokes-protests-as-southern-railway-alters-mrts-alignment/articleshow/6245686.cms|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|access-date=15 August 2012|archive-date=15 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231215180508/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/threat-of-relocation-evokes-protests-as-southern-railway-alters-mrts-alignment/articleshow/6245686.cms|url-status=live}}</ref> In the Government of India's annual [[Railway budget of India|Railway Budget]] of 2012, it was announced that the line would be commissioned in 2013.<ref>{{cite report|title=Railway Budget 2012-13|url=https://www.irtsa.net/pdfdocs/Railway_Budget_2012-13.pdf|page=25|work=[[Government of India]]|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=26 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231226093310/https://www.irtsa.net/pdfdocs/Railway_Budget_2012-13.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> In October 2012, [[Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority]] (CMDA) resumed the land acquisition for the proposed extension after the [[Madras High Court]] vacated its earlier stay order on the same.<ref>{{cite news|title=MRTS upto St. Thomas Mount back on track|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|date=16 October 2012|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/mrts-upto-st-thomas-mount-back-on-track/article4000113.ece|access-date=15 December 2012|archive-date=8 January 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160108181027/http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/mrts-upto-st-thomas-mount-back-on-track/article4000113.ece|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=MRTS extension stopped in its tracks|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/mrts-extension-stopped-in-its-tracks/articleshow/7714536.cms|access-date=21 August 2023|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|date=16 March 2011|archive-date=15 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231215180509/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/mrts-extension-stopped-in-its-tracks/articleshow/7714536.cms|url-status=live}}</ref> While land acquisition was completed for the construction of majority of the line by April 2013, there were further delays in acquiring land for about {{cvt|0.5|km}} of the stretch and the construction of [[Pulhuthivakkam railway station|Puzhuthivakkam station]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Decks cleared for acquisition of land for Adambakkam station|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/decks-cleared-for-acquisition-of-land-for-adambakkam-station/article4599229.ece|access-date=19 April 2013|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|date=10 April 2013|archive-date=13 April 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130413131418/http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/decks-cleared-for-acquisition-of-land-for-adambakkam-station/article4599229.ece|url-status=live}}</ref> {{As of|2014}}, the construction of about {{cvt|3.7|km}} of the proposed extension was complete.<ref name="Ext">{{cite news|first=C.|last=Shivakumar|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/chennai/2014/May/23/mrts-phase-ii-extension-starts-next-month-616162.html|title=MRTS Phase II Extension Starts Next Month|newspaper=[[The New Indian Express]]|date=23 May 2014|access-date=5 August 2014|archive-date=2 June 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140602200108/http://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/chennai/MRTS-Phase-II-Extension-Starts-Next-Month/2014/05/23/article2240000.ece|url-status=dead}}</ref> 

In May 2014, the High Court ruled that compensation be paid as per newly enacted [[Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013|Land Acquisition Act 2013]] on the cases filed by the land owners.<ref name="Ext"/> In March 2016, the [[Southern Railway zone|Southern Railway]] stated that the final phase of the MRTS would take at least 18 months after the state government handed over land to Indian Railways and that it had not yet done so.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/mrts-final-phase-will-take-at-least-18-more-months-johri/article8287446.ece|title=The final leg of Mass Rapid Transit System for a distance of 500 metres is not likely to be completed in the near future|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|date=27 February 2016}}</ref> In 2018, further discussion between the CMDA and the land owners on the compensation to be paid for the land acquisition failed.<ref name="Land">{{cite news|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/chennai/2021/Dec/28/velachery-st-thomas-mount-mrts-by-2022-end-2400456.html|first=C.|last=Shivakumar|title=Velachery-St Thomas Mount MRTS by 2022-end|date=29 December 2021|access-date=1 June 2024|newspaper=[[The New Indian Express]]|archive-date=4 September 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240904121020/https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/chennai/2021/Dec/28/velachery-st-thomas-mount-mrts-by-2022-end-2400456.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/land-acquisition-talks-for-mrts-link-fail-again/articleshow/66872716.cms|title=Land acquisition talks for MRTS link fail again|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=24 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231224004401/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/land-acquisition-talks-for-mrts-link-fail-again/articleshow/66872716.cms|url-status=live}}</ref> {{As of|2019}}, the Indian Railways had completed the construction of [[Adambakkam railway station|Adambakkam]] Puzhuthivakkam stations and about {{cvt|0.5|km}} of the line was pending for construction.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/chennai/2019/Nov/12/after-11-year-wait-construction-on-st-thomas-mount-adambakkam-mrts-stretch-in-chennai-to-begin-soon-2060966.html|title=After 11-year wait, construction on St Thomas Mount-Adambakkam MRTS stretch in Chennai to begin soon|date=13 November 2019|access-date=1 June 2024|newspaper=[[The Indian Express]]|archive-date=4 September 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240904124458/https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/chennai/2019/Nov/12/after-11-year-wait-construction-on-st-thomas-mount-adambakkam-mrts-stretch-in-chennai-to-begin-soon-2060966.html|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2019, the Madras High Court directed the CMDA to pay higher compensation to the land owners.<ref name="Land"/> However, the CMDA filed a review petition against the order in the [[Supreme Court of India|Indian Supreme Court]].<ref>{{cite news|date=21 September 2020|title=Chennai MRTS's last stretch to be delayed further as CMDA approaches SC|url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/tamil-nadu/chennai-mrts-s-last-stretch-be-delayed-further-cmda-approaches-sc-133526|access-date=7 July 2023|newspaper=[[The News Minute]]|archive-date=3 April 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240403130335/https://www.thenewsminute.com/tamil-nadu/chennai-mrts-s-last-stretch-be-delayed-further-cmda-approaches-sc-133526|url-status=live}}</ref> 

The Supreme Court ordered fair compensation for the land owners and directed the CMDA to complete the land acquisition by 8 January 2021.<ref>{{cite news|title=Chennai: Last-mile demolition to acquire land for MRTS extension begins|newspaper=[[Times of India]]|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/chennai-last-mile-demolition-to-acquire-land-for-mrts-extension-begins/articleshow/80037972.cms|date=7 January 2021|access-date=1 July 2023|archive-date=25 September 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220925212945/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/chennai-last-mile-demolition-to-acquire-land-for-mrts-extension-begins/articleshow/80037972.cms|url-status=live}}</ref> In June 2022, officials announced that the land acquisition for the final stretch would be completed in the next three months.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/chennai/2022/Jun/24/construction-of-mrts-final-pillar-to-start-in-six-months-land-acquisition-nearing-end-2469023.html|first=C.|last=Shivakumar|title=Construction of MRTS' final pillar to start in six months, land acquisition nearing end|date=24 June 2022|access-date=1 June 2024|newspaper=[[The Indian Express]]|archive-date=4 September 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240904124459/https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/chennai/2022/Jun/24/construction-of-mrts-final-pillar-to-start-in-six-months-land-acquisition-nearing-end-2469023.html|url-status=live}}</ref> In July 2023, the authorities said that the construction will be completed by the end of the month and the line will be commissioned for use within the end of the year.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/construction-of-velachery-st-thomas-mount-mrts-stretch-will-be-completed-by-end-of-july/article67075660.ece|title=Construction of Velachery-St. Thomas Mount MRTS stretch will be completed by end of July|date=13 July 2023|access-date=1 June 2024|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|archive-date=4 September 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240904124458/https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/construction-of-velachery-st-thomas-mount-mrts-stretch-will-be-completed-by-end-of-july/article67075660.ece|url-status=live}}</ref> On 18 January 2024, a concrete girder on the stretch collapsed, which was expected to further delay the opening of the line.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/concrete-girder-of-bridge-collapses-at-mrts-worksite-in-thillai-ganga-nagar/article67753317.ece|title=Concrete girder of bridge collapses at MRTS worksite in Thillai Ganga Nagar|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|date=18 January 2024|access-date=1 March 2024|archive-date=31 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240131190926/https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/concrete-girder-of-bridge-collapses-at-mrts-worksite-in-thillai-ganga-nagar/article67753317.ece|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/part-of-bridge-falls-rail-project-delayed-again/articleshow/106972134.cms|title=Part of bridge falls, rail project delayed again|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|date=19 January 2024|access-date=1 March 2024|archive-date=31 March 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240331141533/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/part-of-bridge-falls-rail-project-delayed-again/articleshow/106972134.cms|url-status=live}}</ref> Multiple deadlines to make complete the construction of the final phase have not been met.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/chennai/2018/Oct/31/hope-for-chennai-mrts-phase-ii-extension-1892364.html|title=Hope for Chennai MRTS phase-II extension|date=31 October 2018|access-date=1 June 2024|newspaper=[[The Indian Express]]|archive-date=22 October 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191022172155/http://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/chennai/2018/oct/31/hope-for-chennai-mrts-phase-ii-extension-1892364.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/mount-velachery-beach-mrts-misses-deadline-again/articleshow/109635917.cms|title=Mount-Velachery-Beach MRTS misses deadline, again|date=27 April 2024|access-date=1 June 2024|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|archive-date=10 May 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240510014236/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/mount-velachery-beach-mrts-misses-deadline-again/articleshow/109635917.cms|url-status=live}}</ref>

=== Future plans ===
The third and fourth phases of the MRTS were initially planned to connect St. Thomas Mount with [[Villivakkam]] and Villivakkam with [[Ennore]].<ref name="Project"/> The plans have been shelved after the lines overlapped with the proposed extension of the [[Chennai Metro Rail]].<ref name="CMDA"/> In early 2024, a feasibility report was submitted to the state government for a new line from [[Poonamallee]] and the planned new airport at [[Chennai Greenfield Airport, Parandur |Parandur]]. The {{cvt|43.63|km}} line would have 19 stations and is expected to cost {{INRconvert|107.12|b}}.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/chennai/2024/Jan/05/parandur-poonamallee-mrts-in-chennai-to-cost-rs-10k-crore-2648038.html|title=Parandur-Poonamallee MRTS in Chennai to cost Rs 10k crore|date=5 January 2024|access-date=1 June 2024|newspaper=[[The New Indian Express]]}}</ref>

With the Chennai Metro operational since 2015, the Indian Railways proposed for the MRTS system to be taken over by [[Chennai Metro Rail Limited]] in 2017.<ref>{{cite news|title=Chennai Metro-MRTS merger report in six months|url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-tamilnadu/report-on-merger-of-metro-rail-mrts-in-six-months/article18596779.ece|access-date=29 May 2017|newspaper=The Hindu|date=29 May 2017|archive-date=29 February 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200229182158/http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-tamilnadu/report-on-merger-of-metro-rail-mrts-in-six-months/article18596779.ece|url-status=live}}</ref> In July 2018, [[PwC]] said that the merger would be expensive, costing around {{INRconvert|30|b}} to replace the train-sets and establish other facilities.<ref>{{cite news|last=Sekar|first=Sunitha|title=Metro-MRTS merger likely to be a costly affair|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/metro-mrts-merger-likely-to-be-a-costly-affair/article24455379.ece|access-date=22 July 2018|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|date=19 July 2018|archive-date=9 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201109040049/https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/metro-mrts-merger-likely-to-be-a-costly-affair/article24455379.ece|url-status=live}}</ref> On 11 May 2022, the Southern Railway zone of the Indian Railways granted in-principle approval for the takeover.<ref>{{cite news|title=MRTS merger with Chennai Metro gets railway's approval|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/chennai/2022/may/15/mrts-merger-with-chennai-metro-gets-railways-approval-2453717.html|access-date=16 May 2022|newspaper=[[The New Indian Express]]|date=15 May 2022 |archive-date=15 May 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220515193548/https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/chennai/2022/may/15/mrts-merger-with-chennai-metro-gets-railways-approval-2453717.html|url-status=live}}</ref> {{As of|July 2024}}, the take over was still pending as the [[Indian Railway Board]] had not approved the same.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.dtnext.in/news/city/cmrls-takeover-of-mrts-yet-to-make-any-headway-794922|title=CMRL's takeover of MRTS yet to make any headway|date=15 July 2024|access-date=15 July 2024|work=[[Daily Thanthi]]|archive-date=15 July 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240715043038/https://www.dtnext.in/news/city/cmrls-takeover-of-mrts-yet-to-make-any-headway-794922|url-status=live}}</ref>

== Infrastructure ==
[[File:MRTS crossing in IT corridor.JPG|thumb|MRTS runs on an elevated course for most of its length. Pictured is the crossing over [[Rajiv Gandhi Salai|OMR highway]]]]

=== Network and lines ===
The MRTS line is largely elevated, with [[at-grade crossing|at-grade]] sections at its terminals. The {{cvt|19|km}} line from Chennai Beach to Velachery has a {{cvt|15|km}} elevated section and runs for about {{cvt|4|km}} at surface. From Chennai Beach to [[Chennai Park Town railway station|Park Town]], the line runs at-grade along the suburban railway line.<ref name="INAE"/><ref name="MRTS1"/><ref name="CMDA"/> From the Park Town station, the line becomes elevated and roughly follows the course of the [[Buckingham Canal]], which runs parallel to the [[Coromandel Coast]].<ref name="INAE"/><ref name="MRTS1"/><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/news/national/how-buckingham-canal-could-have-saved-chennai/article62313082.ece|title=How Buckingham canal could have saved Chennai|date=27 December 2018|access-date=1 December 2023|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|archive-date=9 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231209213701/https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/news/national/how-buckingham-canal-could-have-saved-chennai/article62313082.ece|url-status=live}}</ref> The line remains elevated for the alignment of the second phase up to [[Perungudi railway station|Perungudi]], after which it returns to an at-grade section at the Velachery station. The {{cvt|5|km}} extension of the line from Velachery to St. Thomas Mount is planned to be elevated.<ref name="MRTS1"/><ref name="CMDA"/>

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:left;" style="font-size: 85%"
|+Chennai MRTS network<ref name="MRTS1"/><ref name="CMDA">{{cite report|title=Presentation on MRTS & Rail facilities in and around Chennai|url=https://www.cmdachennai.gov.in/SMPS/SMPS_Session2.pdf|work=[[Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority]]|access-date=19 August 2012|pages=5–8|archive-date=2 July 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100702062005/http://www.cmdachennai.gov.in/SMPS/SMPS_Session2.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
!Phase 
!Length
!Route
!Stations
!Opening Date
!Status
|-
|Phase I-A
|{{cvt|5.00|km}}
|[[Chennai Beach railway station|Chennai Beach]]{{ndash}}[[Chepauk railway station|Chepauk]]
|5
|16 November 1995
|Operational
|-
|Phase I-B
|{{cvt|3.66|km}}
|[[Chepauk railway station|Chepauk]]{{ndash}}[[Thirumayilai railway station|Thirumayilai]]
|4
|19 October 1997
|Operational
|-
|Phase II-A
|{{cvt|5.99|km}}
|[[Thirumayilai railway station|Thirumayilai]]{{ndash}}[[Thiruvanmiyur railway station|Thiruvanmiyur]]
|6
|26 January 2004
|Operational
|-
|Phase II-B
|{{cvt|4.69|km}}
|[[Thiruvanmiyur railway station|Thiruvanmiyur]]{{ndash}}[[Velachery railway station|Velachery]]
|3
|19 November 2007
|Operational
|-
|Phase II-B Extension<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/mrts-suburban-train-linking-work-resumes-after-long-delay/article33884294.ece|title=MRTS-suburban train linking work resumes after long delay|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|date=20 February 2021|access-date=20 February 2021|archive-date=20 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210220062024/https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/mrts-suburban-train-linking-work-resumes-after-long-delay/article33884294.ece|url-status=live}}</ref>
|{{cvt|5|km}}
|[[Velachery railway station|Velachery]]{{ndash}}[[St. Thomas Mount railway station|St. Thomas Mount]]
|3
|TBD
|Under construction
|}

The route taken by the MRTS line has resulted in the pillars of the elevated section of the railway encroaching the Buckingham Canal. Although the pillars were placed basis the approval of the state government, the government later proposed plans to restore the canal to make it navigable.<ref name="Feasible">{{cite report|url=https://environmentclearance.nic.in/writereaddata/Online/TOR/0_0_14_Jul_2014_1655134371AnnexurePrefeasibilityReport.pdf|title=Feasibility report|work=[[Government of Tamil Nadu]]|access-date=1 December 2023|pages=1–2|archive-date=14 April 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240414162518/https://environmentclearance.nic.in/writereaddata/Online/TOR/0_0_14_Jul_2014_1655134371AnnexurePrefeasibilityReport.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/tamil-nadu/2023/Oct/08/buckingham-canal-restoration-wrd-submits-plan-2621913.html|title=Buckingham canal restoration: WRD submits plan|date=3 October 2023|access-date=1 December 2023|newspaper=[[The New Indian Express]]|archive-date=14 October 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231014061345/https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/tamil-nadu/2023/oct/08/buckingham-canal-restoration-wrd-submits-plan-2621913.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=River restoration only on paper, a sham on ground|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/river-restoration-only-on-paper-a-sham-on-ground/articleshow/103152608.cms|access-date=1 September 2023|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|date=29 August 2003|archive-date=1 September 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230901074106/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/river-restoration-only-on-paper-a-sham-on-ground/articleshow/103152608.cms|url-status=live}}</ref> However, as the MRTS pillars have reduced the canal width, a section of the canal is not navigable, and the pillars block the flow of rainwater discharge.<ref name="Feasible"/><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/Civic-infrastructure-struggling-to-be-rain-ready/article16437421.ece|title=Civic infrastructure struggling to be rain-ready|date=5 November 2016|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=3 April 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240403154404/https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/Civic-infrastructure-struggling-to-be-rain-ready/article16437421.ece|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite report|url=https://www.cmdachennai.gov.in/pdfs/SeminarOnWaterways/5.pdf|title=Waterways|work=[[Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority]]|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=24 October 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231024085751/https://www.cmdachennai.gov.in/pdfs/SeminarOnWaterways/5.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref>

=== Track ===
The Chennai MRTS line bears greater resemblance to the suburban railway than a [[rapid transit]] line as it uses the same [[5 ft 6 in gauge railway|broad gauge]] (5&nbsp;ft 6in) as the Chennai Suburban Railway system, allowing the usage of same train-sets across the existing suburban lines and the MRTS.<ref name="INAE"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.irfca.org/faq/faq-metro.html#mad|title=Metro – Urban – Suburban Systems|work=IRFCA|access-date=13 November 2012|archive-date=4 November 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121104064610/http://www.irfca.org/faq/faq-metro.html#mad|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Track (rail transport)#Ballastless track|Ballastless track]] is used between Tirumayilai and Velachery stations.<ref name="INAE"/><ref>{{cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/mrts-cuts-ride-time-from-beach-to-velachery/articleshow/59745510.cms|title=MRTS cuts ride time from Beach to Velachery|date=24 July 2017|access-date=1 September 2023|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|archive-date=26 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231226091813/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/mrts-cuts-ride-time-from-beach-to-velachery/articleshow/59745510.cms|url-status=live}}</ref> The trains use [[25 kV AC railway electrification|25 kV]] [[overhead catenary]] for [[Railway electric traction|traction]].<ref name="INAE"/><ref>{{cite web|title=General Description of Electrical Rolling Stock|url=http://www.indianrailways.gov.in/railwayboard/uploads/codesmanual/ACTraction-I/AcTractionICh3_Data.htm|work=[[Indian Railways]]|access-date=15 September 2012|archive-date=29 October 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131029194429/http://www.indianrailways.gov.in/railwayboard/uploads/codesmanual/ACTraction-I/AcTractionICh3_Data.htm|url-status=live}}</ref>

{{Rapid transit OSM map|system_qid=Q1637589|single_line=y|stations=y|stations_qid=Q1637589|frame-width=340|frame-height=450}}
[[File:Chennai local 14003.jpg|thumb|Chennai MRTS uses 9-car [[Electric Multiple Unit|EMU]]s; Pictured is an EMU at [[Velachery railway station|Velachery station]]]]

=== Rolling stock ===
The Chennai MRTS uses nine-car [[Electric multiple unit|electrical multiple unit]] train sets.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/mrts-goes-full-ninecar/article7496649.ece|title=MRTS goes full nine-car|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=30 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210930074953/https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/mrts-goes-full-ninecar/article7496649.ece|url-status=live}}</ref> A nine-car rake typically has three sets of three motor coaches each at the front, the middle and the last with electric motors used to drive the wheels of the train at a stipulated speed.<ref>{{cite report|url=https://scr.indianrailways.gov.in/cris//uploads/files/1574744335252-JE%20LDCE2.pdf|title=Three phase EMU|page=5|work=[[Indian Railways]]|access-date=15 October 2023|archive-date=13 November 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231113070416/https://scr.indianrailways.gov.in/cris//uploads/files/1574744335252-JE%20LDCE2.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> The EMU coaches are manufactured by the [[Integral Coach Factory]] in Chennai.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/fort-station-to-be-mrts-hub-post-cmrl-merger/articleshow/57954858.cms|title=Fort station to be MRTS hub post CMRL merger|date=1 April 2017|access-date=1 June 2024|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://icf.indianrailways.gov.in/view_section.jsp?lang=0&id=0,294|title=Integral Coach Factory|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=9 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231209062951/https://icf.indianrailways.gov.in/view_section.jsp?lang=0&id=0,294|url-status=live}}</ref> The coaches are not air-conditioned and are equipped with two-class (first and second class) passenger seating configuration.<ref>{{cite news|first=G|last=Ananthakrishnan|title=Why no AC train for Chennai MRTS?|url=http://www.thehindu.com/opinion/blogs/blog-urban-prospects/article4459119.ece|access-date=19 April 2013|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|date=27 February 2013|archive-date=7 April 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130407115624/http://www.thehindu.com/opinion/blogs/blog-urban-prospects/article4459119.ece?|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/chennai-metro-rail-limited-to-assess-if-suburban-trains-can-have-ac-coaches/articleshow/94772362.cms|title=Chennai Metro Rail Limited to assess if suburban trains can have AC coaches|date=11 October 2022|access-date=1 December 2023|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|archive-date=3 April 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240403154409/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/chennai-metro-rail-limited-to-assess-if-suburban-trains-can-have-ac-coaches/articleshow/94772362.cms|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/a-first-class-conundrum-for-mrts-ticket-checkers/article8038657.ece|title=A first class conundrum for MRTS ticket checkers|date=29 December 2015|access-date=1 December 2023|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|archive-date=3 April 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240403154406/https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/a-first-class-conundrum-for-mrts-ticket-checkers/article8038657.ece|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Plan to launch AC coaches on Chennai suburban trains a non-starter|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/plan-to-launch-ac-coaches-on-chennai-suburban-trains-a-non-starter/articleshow/87076076.cms|date=17 October 2021|access-date=1 August 2023|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|archive-date=26 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231226091807/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/plan-to-launch-ac-coaches-on-chennai-suburban-trains-a-non-starter/articleshow/87076076.cms|url-status=live}}</ref>

=== Stations ===
[[File:Chennai Chintadripet Metro Station.jpg|thumb|[[Chintadripet railway station|Chindadripet station]], one of the stations on the MRTS line]]

{{As of|2024}}, the MRTS line has 18 operational stations.<ref name="Timetable">{{cite web|title=Indian Railways Time Table|url=https://sr.indianrailways.gov.in/uploads/files/1345106736152-MRTS%20WEEK.pdf|work=Indian Railways|access-date=31 March 2024|archive-date=14 April 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240414163041/https://sr.indianrailways.gov.in/uploads/files/1345106736152-MRTS%20WEEK.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> The Chennai Beach station, one of the termini, is a hub for several suburban trains. Along with the [[Chennai Fort station]], it offers connectivity to the commercial area of [[Parry's Corner|Broadway]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/chennai/2017/Sep/26/beach-station-awaits-makeover-as-metro-plans-mrts-takeover-1662744.html|title=Beach station awaits makeover as Metro plans MRTS takeover|newspaper=[[The New Indian Express]]|date=26 September 2017|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=31 March 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240331144814/https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/chennai/2017/Sep/26/beach-station-awaits-makeover-as-metro-plans-mrts-takeover-1662744.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/21-storey-bldg-skywalk-part-of-broadway-bus-terminus-plan/articleshow/74274348.cms|title=Chennai: 21-storey building, skywalk part of Broadway bus terminal|date=24 February 2022|access-date=1 December 2023|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|archive-date=31 March 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240331144815/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/21-storey-bldg-skywalk-part-of-broadway-bus-terminus-plan/articleshow/74274348.cms|url-status=live}}</ref> The Park Town station is located near the [[Chennai Central]] station, which is a hub for other suburban lines and for long-distance express trains.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/central-to-park-station-an-ordeal/articleshow/98554443.cms|title=Central to Park station, an ordeal|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|date=11 March 2023|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=31 March 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240331144814/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/central-to-park-station-an-ordeal/articleshow/98554443.cms|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.dnaindia.com/web-stories/india/8-biggest-railway-stations-in-india-with-most-platforms-1714145433213|title=Eight biggest railway stations in India|access-date=1 December 2023|work=[[Daily news and analysis]]|archive-date=12 September 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240912073437/https://www.dnaindia.com/web-stories/india/8-biggest-railway-stations-in-india-with-most-platforms-1714145433213|url-status=live}}</ref>

Places of interest such as [[Parthasarathy Temple, Triplicane|Parthasarathy Temple]], [[Kapaleeshwarar Temple]] and [[Mundagakanniamman Koil railway station|Mundagakanniamman Koil]] are located close to the MRTS railway line.<ref name="Temple1"/><ref>{{cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/temples-on-metro-route-strike-gold/articleshow/12182882.cms|title=Temples on metro route strike gold|date=8 March 2012|access-date=1 June 2024|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|archive-date=25 September 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220925185542/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/temples-on-metro-route-strike-gold/articleshow/12182882.cms|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Kovil"/> [[Marina Beach]] spans along a stretch of the line close to [[Thiruvallikeni railway station|Thiruvallikeni station]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/iit-m-to-study-upgrade-of-two-mrts-stations/articleshow/107177859.cms|title=IIT Madras to study upgrade of two MRTS stations|date=27 January 2024|access-date=1 March 2024|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|archive-date=14 February 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240214233352/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/iit-m-to-study-upgrade-of-two-mrts-stations/articleshow/107177859.cms|url-status=live}}</ref> The [[Chepauk railway station|Chepauk station]] is located close to the [[M. A. Chidambaram Stadium]].<ref name="Cricket1">{{cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/ipl-matches-in-chennai-southern-railway-to-run-special-mrts-trains/articleshow/108672792.cms|title=Southern Railway to run special MRTS trains|date=21 March 2024|access-date=31 March 2024|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|archive-date=28 March 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240328060718/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/ipl-matches-in-chennai-southern-railway-to-run-special-mrts-trains/articleshow/108672792.cms|url-status=live}}</ref> The MRTS passes along the [[Rajiv Gandhi Salai|Old Mahabalipuram Road]] (OMR), which also forms part of the [[information technology]] corridor where many companies are located.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/MRTS-upto-St.-Thomas-Mount-back-on-track/article12558936.ece|title=MRTS upto St. Thomas Mount back on track|date=16 October 2012|access-date=1 December 2023|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|archive-date=26 August 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230826212621/https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/MRTS-upto-St.-Thomas-Mount-back-on-track/article12558936.ece|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/u-shaped-flyover-on-omr-to-be-completed-by-may-end/article66721098.ece|title=U-shaped flyover on OMR to be completed by May end|date=13 April 2023|access-date=1 December 2023|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|archive-date=3 April 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240403154407/https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/u-shaped-flyover-on-omr-to-be-completed-by-may-end/article66721098.ece|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite report|url=https://chennaimetrorail.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/Comprehensive-Detailed-Project-Report-for-Chennai-Metro.pdf|title=Detailed project report for Chennai Metro|access-date=1 December 2023|work=[[Chennai Metro]]|archive-date=3 April 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240403154406/https://chennaimetrorail.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/Comprehensive-Detailed-Project-Report-for-Chennai-Metro.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/brts-one-solution-for-two-problems-on-omr/articleshow/105424881.cms|title=BRTS: One solution for two problems on OMR|date=3 November 2023|access-date=1 December 2023|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|archive-date=1 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231201072929/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/brts-one-solution-for-two-problems-on-omr/articleshow/105424881.cms|url-status=live}}</ref>

Upon completion of the St. Thomas Mount station at the southern end of the proposed alignment, the station will have three types of railway networks. The suburban and long-distance express trains would ply on the conventional tracks at ground level, the elevated MRTS line will be located at the first level and the Chennai Metro operating at the second level.<ref>{{cite news|first=A.|last=Srivathsan|title=Integrated station at St. Thomas Mount planned|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Chennai/article395615.ece|access-date=18 August 2012|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|date=13 April 2010|archive-date=8 January 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160108181027/http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Chennai/article395615.ece|url-status=live}}</ref> There are large stations on the existing MRTS line designed to accommodate six and nine-car train rakes with attached parking lots.<ref name="BT">{{cite news|url=https://www.businesstoday.in/magazine/case-study/story/mass-rejected-transit-system-17368-2010-03-16|title=Can Chennai's Mass Rapid Transit System revive itself?|newspaper=[[Business Today (India)|Business Today]]|date=16 March 2010|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=11 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240111095936/https://www.businesstoday.in/magazine/case-study/story/mass-rejected-transit-system-17368-2010-03-16|url-status=live}}</ref>

{| class="wikitable sortable" style="width:100%;" style="text-align:left;" style="font-size: 85%"
|-
! rowspan="2"| #
! colspan="3"|Station name<ref name="Timetable"/>
! rowspan="2"|{{tooltip|Distance (km)|Distance from Chennai Beach in km}}<ref name="CMDA"/>
! rowspan="2"|Opening<ref name="CMDA"/>
! rowspan="2"|Connections<ref>{{cite web|url=https://chennaimetrorail.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Line-Map.pdf|title=Chennai metro map|work=[[Chennai Metro]]|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=8 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231208073455/https://chennaimetrorail.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Line-Map.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref>
! rowspan="2"|Layout
|-
! English || [[Tamil language|Tamil]] || Transliteration
|-
|1 || [[Chennai Beach]] || சென்னை கடற்கரை || Cennaī Kadarkarai || 0 ||rowspan="5"|16 November 1995 || {{rint|rail}} [[South Line, Chennai Suburban]] ([[Chennai Beach]]) || rowspan="3"|At-Grade
|-
|2 || [[Chennai Fort]] || சென்னை கோட்டை || Cennaī Kottai || 1.70 || {{rint|rail}} [[South Line, Chennai Suburban]] ([[Chennai Fort]]) <br /> {{rint|bus}} [[Broadway bus terminus]]
|-
|3 || [[Chennai Park Town railway station|Chennai Park Town]] || சென்னை பூங்கா நகர் || Cennaī Poonga Nagar || 2.54 || {{rint|rail}} [[Chennai Central Railway Station|Chennai Central]] <br/ > {{rint|rail}} [[South Line, Chennai Suburban]] ([[Chennai Park railway station|Park]]) <br/ > {{rint|rail}} [[North Line, Chennai Suburban]] ([[Moore Market Complex railway station|Moore Market]]) <br/> {{rint|rail}} [[West Line, Chennai Suburban]] ([[Moore Market Complex railway station|Moore Market]]) <br/ > {{color box|#{{rail color|Chennai Metro|Blue}}}} [[Blue Line (Chennai Metro)|Blue Line, Chennai Metro]] ([[Chennai Central metro station|Central]]) <br/> {{color box|#{{rail color|Chennai Metro|Green}}}} [[Green Line (Chennai Metro)|Green Line, Chennai Metro]] ([[Chennai Central metro station|Central]])
|-
|4 || [[Chintadripet railway station|Chintadripet]] || சிந்தாதிரிப்பேட்டை || Chinthadripettai || 3.43 || {{color box|#{{rail color|Chennai Metro|Blue}}}} [[Blue Line (Chennai Metro)|Blue Line, Chennai Metro]] ([[Government Estate metro station|Government Estate]]) || rowspan="13"|Elevated
|-
|5 || [[Chepauk railway station|Chepauk]] || சேப்பாக்கம் || Chepakkam || 5 || rowspan="14" {{n/a}}
|-
|6 || [[Thiruvallikeni railway station|Thiruvallikeni]] || திருவல்லிக்கேணி || Thiruvallikeni || 5.74 || rowspan="2"|19 October 1997
|-
|7 || [[Light House railway station|Light House]] || கலங்கரை விளக்கம் || Kalangarai Vilakkam || 6.95
|-
|8 || [[Mundakanniamman Koil railway station|Mundagakanniamman Koil]] || முண்டகக்கண்ணியம்மன் கோவில் || Mundagakanniamman Kovil || 7.925 || 14 May 2014<ref name="Kovil">{{cite news|url=https://www-newindianexpress-com.translate.goog/cities/chennai/2014/May/15/mylapore-locals-get-a-new-stop-612741.html|title=Mylapore Locals Get a New Stop|date=15 May 2014|access-date=1 December 2023|newspaper=[[The New Indian Express]]}}</ref>
|-
|9 || [[Thirumayilai railway station|Thirumayilai]] || திருமயிலை || Thirumayilai || 8.66 || 19 October 1997 
|-
|10 || [[Mandaveli railway station|Mandaveli]] || மந்தைவெளி || Mandaiveli || 9.699 || rowspan="6"|26 January 2004
|-
|11 || [[Greenways Road railway station|Greenways Road]] || பசுமைவழிச் சாலை || Pasumaivazhi Salai || 11.02
|-
|12 || [[Kotturpuram railway station|Kotturpuram]] || கோட்டூர்புரம் || Kottoorpuram || 11.892
|-
|13 || [[Kasturba Nagar railway station|Kasturba Nagar]] || கஸ்தூரிபாய் நகர் || Kasturibai Nagar || 12.824
|-
|14 || [[Indira Nagar railway station|Indira Nagar]] || இந்திரா நகர் || Indira Nagar || 13.796
|-
|15 || [[Thiruvanmiyur railway station|Thiruvanmiyur]] || திருவான்மியூர் || Thiruvanmiyur || 14.655
|-
|16 || [[Taramani railway station|Taramani]] || தரமணி || Tharamani || 16.57 || rowspan="3"|19 November 2007
|-
|17 || [[Perungudi railway station|Perungudi]] || பெருங்குடி || Perungudi || 17.713 || rowspan="2"|At Grade
|-
|18 || [[Velachery railway station|Velachery]] || வேளச்சேரி || Velachery || 19.34
|}

[[File:Tirumailai MRTS station Chennai (Madras).jpg|thumb|MRTS coaches have open doors on both sides. Pictured is an [[Electric Multiple Unit|EMU]] at [[Thirumayilai railway station|Thirumayilai]]]]


Indian Railways has made various plans to use the empty space in the MRTS stations.<ref>{{cite news|first=Aloysius Xavier|last=Lopez|title=Amma canteens may soon come up at Chennai's MRTS stations|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/amma-canteens-may-soon-come-up-at-chennais-mrts-stations/article5201923.ece|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|date=5 October 2013|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=30 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210930123532/https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/amma-canteens-may-soon-come-up-at-chennais-mrts-stations/article5201923.ece|url-status=live}}</ref> In February 2009, [[Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation]] (IRCTC) announced plans to set up food stalls at MRTS stations with the first such stall inaugurated in April 2018 at Thiruvanmiyur station.<ref>{{cite news|title=Snazzy food stalls at MRTS stations|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/snazzy-food-stalls-at-suburban-mrts-stations/articleshow/4197755.cms|newspaper=[[Times of India]]|date=27 February 2009|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=3 April 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240403154404/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/snazzy-food-stalls-at-suburban-mrts-stations/articleshow/4197755.cms|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Ayyappan|first=V.|title=IRCTC to build food kiosks at MRTS stations off-track|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/food-kiosks-at-mrts-stations-off-track/articleshow/12463544.cms|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|date=30 March 2012|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=26 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231226091808/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/food-kiosks-at-mrts-stations-off-track/articleshow/12463544.cms|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|first=Vivek|last=Narayanan|title=Missed a meal? Grab a bite at MRTS station in Chennai|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/missed-a-meal-grab-a-bite-at-mrts-station-in-chennai/article5178571.ece?homepage=true|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|date=28 September 2013|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=8 January 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160108181027/http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/missed-a-meal-grab-a-bite-at-mrts-station-in-chennai/article5178571.ece?homepage=true|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=IRCTC opens 1st food plaza at Thiruvanmiyur MRTS station|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/irctc-opens-1st-food-plaza-at-thiruvanmiyur-mrts-station/articleshow/63561998.cms|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=2 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180402022712/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/irctc-opens-1st-food-plaza-at-thiruvanmiyur-mrts-station/articleshow/63561998.cms|url-status=live}}</ref>

MRTS has been criticised by the public for poor maintenance of the stations, lack of inter-modal transport facilities and security issues.<ref>{{cite news|title=Lack of safety measures turn incomplete MRTS stations into death trap|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/lack-of-safety-measures-turn-incomplete-mrts-stations-into-death-trap/articleshow/7399944.cms|access-date=1 August 2023|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|date=1 February 2011|archive-date=26 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231226091812/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/lack-of-safety-measures-turn-incomplete-mrts-stations-into-death-trap/articleshow/7399944.cms|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Ayyappan|first=V.|title=Badly maintained stations hamper optimum patronage|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/badly-maintained-stations-hamper-optimum-patronage/articleshow/5375707.cms|access-date=1 August 2023|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|date=25 December 2009|archive-date=26 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231226091811/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/badly-maintained-stations-hamper-optimum-patronage/articleshow/5375707.cms|url-status=live}}</ref> The director of Chennai Metro called for the various government agencies to work together to improve the connectivity to the stations.<ref>{{cite news|title=Need to integrate MRTS with other public transport systems|url=https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/economy/logistics/need-to-integrate-mrts-with-other-public-transport-systems/article23051580.ece|access-date=21 August 2023|newspaper=[[Business Line]]|date=25 February 2011|archive-date=3 April 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240403154404/https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/economy/logistics/need-to-integrate-mrts-with-other-public-transport-systems/article23051580.ece|url-status=live}}</ref> The stations often face issues such as seepage of rainwater and no access to clean drinking water.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/rain-leak-leaves-mrts-stations-in-mess/articleshow/3710964.cms|title=Rain leak leaves MRTS stations in mess|date=14 November 2008|access-date=1 June 2024|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|archive-date=25 September 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220925212359/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/rain-leak-leaves-mrts-stations-in-mess/articleshow/3710964.cms|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/mrts-stations-in-terrible-state-after-rain/articleshow/5217270.cms|title=MRTS stations in terrible state after rain|date=11 November 2009|access-date=1 June 2024|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|archive-date=25 September 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220925212305/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/mrts-stations-in-terrible-state-after-rain/articleshow/5217270.cms|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|first=Sowmiya|last=Ashok|title=How safe is drinking water at train terminals ?|url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-tamilnadu/article2225539.ece|access-date=21 August 2012|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|date=14 July 2011|archive-date=5 November 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131105193153/http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-tamilnadu/article2225539.ece|url-status=live}}</ref> A 2006 report by the [[Comptroller and Auditor General of India]] cited delays in installation of station amenities such as escalators.<ref>{{cite web|title=Planning, execution and operation of Mass 1Rapid Transit System, Chennai. Chapter III|url=https://cag.gov.in/uploads/old_reports/union/union_compliance/2005_2006/Railways/Report_No_5/chap_3.pdf|work=[[Comptroller and Auditor General of India]]|access-date=1 September 2023|archive-date=15 April 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240415020150/https://cag.gov.in/uploads/old_reports/union/union_compliance/2005_2006/Railways/Report_No_5/chap_3.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref>

In 2012, there was a shortage of the [[Railway Protection Force]] personnel at MRTS stations, which raised security concerns.<ref>{{cite news|first=Vivek|last=Narayanan|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/railway-cops-shortage-hits-security-at-mrts-stations/article4168100.ece|title=Railway cops shortage hits security at MRTS stations|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|date=6 December 2012|access-date=6 December 2012|archive-date=8 December 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121208153456/http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/railway-cops-shortage-hits-security-at-mrts-stations/article4168100.ece|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2013, to improve the security for the passengers using the network, Indian Railways declared that the MRTS stations would have a single designated entry and exit point as it was difficult for the existing RPF personnel to monitor multiple gates at the same time.<ref>{{cite news|first=Vivek|last=Narayanan|title=MRTS stations to have 1 entry, exit|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/mrts-stations-to-have-1-entry-exit/article4273819.ece|access-date=5 January 2013|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|date=5 January 2013|archive-date=8 January 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130108105624/http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/mrts-stations-to-have-1-entry-exit/article4273819.ece|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite report|title=Protection of Passengers and their belongings including Strategy to Control Crime|url=https://cag.gov.in/uploads/download_audit_report/2011/Union_Performance_Railways_Security_Management_14_2011_Chapter_3.pdf|work=[[Indian Railways]]|access-date=1 August 2023|archive-date=16 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210916193159/https://cag.gov.in/uploads/download_audit_report/2011/Union_Performance_Railways_Security_Management_14_2011_Chapter_3.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> If the planned takeover by Chennai Metro is completed, the existing line is planned to be upgraded to be compatible with the metro system. Plans to modernise infrastructure include improved facilities at stations and single integrated ticketing system among others.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/City/Chennai/Chennai-Metro-rail-likely-to-take-over-MRTS/articleshow/39454072.cms|title=Chennai Metro rail likely to take over MRTS|newspaper=[[Times of India]]|access-date=5 August 2014|archive-date=12 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201112040213/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/Chennai-Metro-rail-likely-to-take-over-MRTS/articleshow/39454072.cms|url-status=live}}</ref>

== Operations ==
The operational route length between Chennai Beach and Velachery is {{cvt|19.34|km}} with a journey time of more than 45 minutes one way.<ref name="CMDA"/><ref>{{cite news|title=Operational time of MRTS trains revised|url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-downtown/article3590030.ece|access-date=21 August 2012|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|date=1 July 2012|archive-date=8 July 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120708032004/http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-downtown/article3590030.ece|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|first=R.|last=Srikanth|title=Technical snag delays MRTS services|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/article3007154.ece|access-date=21 August 2012|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|date=18 March 2012|archive-date=5 November 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131105193058/http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/article3007154.ece|url-status=live}}</ref> The system handles about 70 trains on weekdays and reduced capacity on Sundays.<ref>{{cite report|title=Chennai Beach – Velachery – Chennai Beach Week days service|url=https://sr.indianrailways.gov.in/uploads/files/1345106736152-MRTS%20WEEK.pdf|access-date=1 December 2023|work=[[Southern Railway zone]], [[Indian Railways]]|archive-date=26 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231226091809/https://sr.indianrailways.gov.in/uploads/files/1345106736152-MRTS%20WEEK.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite report|title=Chennai Beach – Velachery – Chennai Beach Sunday service|url=http://www.sr.indianrailways.gov.in/uploads/files/1345106764192-MRTSun.pdf|work=[[Southern Railway zone]], [[Indian Railways]]|access-date=18 August 2012|archive-date=6 September 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120906183601/http://www.sr.indianrailways.gov.in/uploads/files/1345106764192-MRTSun.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2012, Indian Railways made the schedule for the MRTS services available on [[Google Maps]] on [[Android (operating system)|Android]] smartphones.<ref>{{cite news|first=Karthik|last=Subramanian|title=Google simplifies public transit information|url=http://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/internet/article3796171.ece|access-date=20 August 2012|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|date=19 August 2012|archive-date=22 August 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120822164634/http://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/internet/article3796171.ece|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Karthikeyan|first=Hemalatha|title=Mass Rapid Transit System, Metro path map is now part of mobile app|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/mass-rapid-transit-system-metro-path-map-is-now-part-of-mobile-app/articleshow/15563644.cms|access-date=1 August 2023|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|date=20 August 2012|archive-date=26 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231226091811/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/mass-rapid-transit-system-metro-path-map-is-now-part-of-mobile-app/articleshow/15563644.cms|url-status=live}}</ref> The trains can be tracked in real time and the users are provided with updates through an automated [[SMS]] system.<ref>{{cite news|last=Kabirdoss|first=Yogesh|title=Track MRTS trains through SMS|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/chennai/2012/feb/18/track-mrts-trains-through-sms-341177.html|access-date=1 August 2023|newspaper=[[The New Indian Express]]|date=18 February 2012|archive-date=26 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231226091807/https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/chennai/2012/feb/18/track-mrts-trains-through-sms-341177.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

=== Fares and ticketing ===
The minimum fare for a second class is {{INRconvert|5}}.<ref name="Subsidy">{{cite news|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/chennai/2023/May/04/mrts-fare-hike-in-the-offing-as-tamil-nadu-govt-prepares-for-takeover-2572162.html|title=MRTS fare hike in the offing as Tamil Nadu govt prepares for takeover|date=5 May 2023|access-date=1 December 2023|newspaper=[[The New Indian Express]]|archive-date=3 April 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240403154404/https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/chennai/2023/May/04/mrts-fare-hike-in-the-offing-as-tamil-nadu-govt-prepares-for-takeover-2572162.html|url-status=live}}</ref> A second class ticket from Beach to Velachery is priced at {{INRconvert|10}}.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/chennai/2018/Jan/20/chennai-post-metro-merger-mrts-fares-may-go-up-by-five-to-seven-times-1759169.html|title=Chennai: Post-Metro merger, MRTS fares may go up by five to seven times|date=20 January 2018|access-date=1 December 2023|newspaper=[[The New Indian Express]]|archive-date=3 April 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240403154406/https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/chennai/2018/Jan/20/chennai-post-metro-merger-mrts-fares-may-go-up-by-five-to-seven-times-1759169.html|url-status=live}}</ref> First class tickets cost about five times higher than the second class fare.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/first-class-mrts-commuters-complain-of-shoddy-facilities/articleshow/67050869.cms|title=First-class MRTS commuters complain of shoddy facilities|date=12 December 2018|access-date=1 December 2023|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|archive-date=3 April 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240403154404/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/first-class-mrts-commuters-complain-of-shoddy-facilities/articleshow/67050869.cms|url-status=live}}</ref> In addition to one-time tickets, the Southern Railway issues monthly tickets and quarterly season tickets for frequent travelers.<ref>{{cite report|url=https://sr.indianrailways.gov.in/uploads/files/1309779486465-ST-FARE-LIST.pdf|title=Season ticket fare list|work=[[Southern Railway zone]], [[Indian Railways]]|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=3 April 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240403154407/https://sr.indianrailways.gov.in/uploads/files/1309779486465-ST-FARE-LIST.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Narayanan|first=Vivek|title=Wait for ticket gets painful|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/article3394846.ece|access-date=21 August 2012|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|date=8 May 2012|archive-date=11 May 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120511203206/http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/article3394846.ece|url-status=live}}</ref> Short validity tickets are available for tourists.<ref>{{cite press release|url=https://sr.indianrailways.gov.in/view_detail.jsp?lang=0&id=0,4,268&dcd=8532&did=15771820428170372B05269DDBB2851DEA3EB8F9D77E2|title=Tourist Tickets introduced in Chennai Suburban|date=24 December 2019|access-date=1 December 2023|work=[[Southern Railway zone]], [[Indian Railways]]|archive-date=26 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231226091811/https://sr.indianrailways.gov.in/view_detail.jsp?lang=0&id=0,4,268&dcd=8532&did=15771820428170372B05269DDBB2851DEA3EB8F9D77E2|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite report|url=https://icf.indianrailways.gov.in/works/uploads/File/202001.pdf|title=ICF monthly bulletin|date=January 2020|work=[[Integral Coach Factory]]|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=3 April 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240403154407/https://icf.indianrailways.gov.in/works/uploads/File/202001.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/chennai/2019/Dec/24/southern-railway-introduces-tourist-tickets-in-chennai-suburban-areas-2080604.html|title=Southern Railway introduces tourist tickets in Chennai suburban areas|date=25 December 2019|access-date=1 June 2024|newspaper=[[The New Indian Express]]|archive-date=12 September 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240912073600/https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/chennai/2019/Dec/24/southern-railway-introduces-tourist-tickets-in-chennai-suburban-areas-2080604.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The tickets can be bought at the railway ticket counters or booked through a [[mobile application]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/buy-suburban-train-tickets-via-app/article33712431.ece|title=Buy suburban train tickets via app|date=1 February 2021|access-date=1 December 2023|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|archive-date=26 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231226091808/https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/buy-suburban-train-tickets-via-app/article33712431.ece|url-status=live}}</ref>

=== Patronage ===
[[File:MRTS Chennai passenger passenger patronage chart.jpg|thumb|upright=1.5|Average daily patronage by station (2009–10)]]

The ridership of the Chennai MRTS system increased from approximately 9,000 in 2003 to 66,518 passengers per day in 2008.<ref name="Project"/><ref>{{cite news|last=Srikanth|first=R.|title=MRTS getting popular, yet it has miles to go|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|date=11 November 2008|url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-tamilnadu/article1373635.ece|access-date=15 August 2012|archive-date=10 February 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160210143554/http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-tamilnadu/article1373635.ece|url-status=live}}</ref> When the line was extended up to Velachery in 2007, the daily ridership increased and it saw a three-fold increase in the revenue.<ref name="3 fold">{{cite report|url=https://ta.chennaimetrorail.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2015/11/project_brief_updated_aug081.pdf|title=Updated project brief|page=4|work=[[Chennai Metro]]|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=26 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231226091808/https://ta.chennaimetrorail.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2015/11/project_brief_updated_aug081.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/20-years-on-a-favourite-with-commuters/article7496648.ece?ref=relatedNews|title=20 years on, a favourite with commuters|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=8 January 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160108181027/http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/20-years-on-a-favourite-with-commuters/article7496648.ece?ref=relatedNews|url-status=live}}</ref> {{As of|2023}}, the daily ridership is about 100,000.<ref name="Rider"/> Three stations—Beach, Thirumayilai, and Velachery—account for nearly 40 percent of the ridership.<ref>{{cite news|last=Sreevatsan|first=Ajai|title=Swanky new road, but MTC buses shy away|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/article2806275.ece|access-date=21 August 2012|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|date=17 January 2012|archive-date=5 July 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120705141513/http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/article2806275.ece|url-status=live}}</ref>

In 2010, the Indian Railways rolled out dedicated trains for women, which saw poor patronage.<ref>{{cite news|last=Sreevatsan|first=Ajai|title=Poor patronage for MRTS Ladies Special service|date=24 February 2010|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/Poor-patronage-for-MRTS-Ladies-Special-service/article16816301.ece|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|access-date=1 August 2023|archive-date=26 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231226091810/https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/Poor-patronage-for-MRTS-Ladies-Special-service/article16816301.ece|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2023, [[Chennai Unified Metropolitan Transport Authority]] (CUMTA) introduced new plans to improve last-mile connectivity to the stations.<ref name="RD"/> Indian Railways operates special trains on certain occasions to boost revenue. As the route passes close to some popular religious sites, the MRTS operates special trains during popular religious festivals such as the [[Vaikunta Ekadashi]] at Parthasarathy Temple in [[Triplicane|Thiruvallikeni]] and the Arupathumoovar festival at the Kapaleeshwarar Temple in [[Mylapore|Thirumayilai]].<ref name="Temple1">{{cite news|title=Huge crowds throng temples on Vaikunta Ekadasi|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/huge-crowds-throng-temples-on-vaikunta-ekadasi/articleshow/7120088.cms|access-date=1 August 2023|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|date=18 December 2010|archive-date=26 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231226091809/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/huge-crowds-throng-temples-on-vaikunta-ekadasi/articleshow/7120088.cms|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Temple2">{{cite press release|title=MRTS specials for 'Arupathumoovar' festival|url=https://sr.indianrailways.gov.in/view_detail.jsp?lang=0&id=0,4,268&dcd=5148&did=1491560784693F4D3A095ACAE163AD3712528CCAEFC03.web91|access-date=1 August 2023|publisher=[[Southern Railway zone]], [[Indian Railways]]|date=7 April 2017|archive-date=26 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231226091810/https://sr.indianrailways.gov.in/view_detail.jsp?lang=0&id=0,4,268&dcd=5148&did=1491560784693F4D3A095ACAE163AD3712528CCAEFC03.web91|url-status=live}}</ref> Special trains are run when [[cricket]] matches are hosted at the M. A. Chidambaram Stadium in [[Chepauk]],<ref name="Cricket1"/><ref name="Cricket">{{cite news|title=Special trains for cricket match|url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-tamilnadu/article1552252.ece|access-date=18 August 2012|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|date=19 March 2011|archive-date=29 October 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131029212125/http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-tamilnadu/article1552252.ece|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite press release|title=Special trains on MRTS in view of ICC World Cup Cricket Match|url=http://www.sr.indianrailways.gov.in/view_detail.jsp?lang=0&id=0,4,268&dcd=143&did=13003629024502C69AA1396142E8B93536D41E1D6F1D2.web103|work=[[Southern Railway zone]], [[Indian Railways]]|access-date=18 August 2012|archive-date=3 April 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130403152125/http://www.sr.indianrailways.gov.in/view_detail.jsp?lang=0&id=0,4,268&dcd=143&did=13003629024502C69AA1396142E8B93536D41E1D6F1D2.web103|url-status=live}}</ref> during [[Pongal (festival)|Kaanum Pongal]] festival at Marina Beach,<ref>{{cite news|title=Thousands throng Marina for Kaanum Pongal|url=http://news.oneindia.in/2008/01/17/thousands-throng-marina-for-kaanum-pongal-1200571583.html|access-date=18 August 2012|work=[[One India]] News|date=17 January 2008|archive-date=29 October 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131029201216/http://news.oneindia.in/2008/01/17/thousands-throng-marina-for-kaanum-pongal-1200571583.html|url-status=live}}</ref> and during bus strikes.<ref>{{cite news|title=Commuters stranded across Tamil Nadu as bus strike enters 4th day|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/commuters-stranded-across-tamil-nadu-as-bus-strike-enters-4th-day/articleshow/62401540.cms|access-date=1 August 2023|newspaper=[[The Economic Times]]|date=7 January 2018|archive-date=26 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231226091807/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/commuters-stranded-across-tamil-nadu-as-bus-strike-enters-4th-day/articleshow/62401540.cms|url-status=live}}</ref>

As the MRTS system is not fully integrated with other modes of transportation in the city, access to the stations is an issue.<ref>{{cite web|title=Review of First Master Plan, Chapter 1|url=http://www.cmdachennai.gov.in/Volume1_English_PDF/Vol1_Chapter01_FMP%20Review.pdf|access-date=19 August 2012|work=[[Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority]]|archive-date=3 December 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121203015339/http://www.cmdachennai.gov.in/Volume1_English_PDF/Vol1_Chapter01_FMP%20Review.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Ananthakrishnan|first=G.|title=Not all together here|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/not-all-together-here/article5157531.ece|access-date=14 October 2013|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|date=23 September 2013|archive-date=16 October 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131016071518/http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/not-all-together-here/article5157531.ece|url-status=live}}</ref> As per a survey conducted in 2012, the public called for special focus on pedestrian facilities that would provide access to MRTS stations from nearby roads and bus stops, as well as identifying new feeder routes for the network.<ref>{{cite news|title=Survey to identify lacunae in facilities near MRTS stations|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/survey-to-identify-lacunae-in-facilities-near-mrts-stations/article4010299.ece|access-date=20 October 2012|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|date=19 October 2012|archive-date=21 October 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121021060801/http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/survey-to-identify-lacunae-in-facilities-near-mrts-stations/article4010299.ece|url-status=live}}</ref> Post the completion of the under construction extension, the MRTS system will be connected to the Suburban Railway and the Metro. This would enable commuters to access the railway grid of the different operational rail systems and facilitate improved connectivity from the stations on the MRTS network.<ref>{{cite news|title=Last mile MRTS link likely to redefine train travel in city|date=15 March 2012|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/rail-budget/last-mile-mrts-link-likely-to-redefine-train-travel-in-city/articleshow/12270274.cms|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|access-date=15 August 2023|archive-date=26 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231226091807/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/rail-budget/last-mile-mrts-link-likely-to-redefine-train-travel-in-city/articleshow/12270274.cms|url-status=live}}</ref> The proposed extension up to St. Thomas Mount is expected to increase patronage from people working in the IT establishments, residences and other offices located close to the MRTS network.<ref>{{cite news|first=E.|last=Raja Simhan|title=Velachery-St Thomas Mount MRTS link, boon for biz units|url=http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/industry-and-economy/logistics/article2999276.ece|access-date=21 August 2012|newspaper=[[Business Line]]|date=16 March 2012|archive-date=22 August 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120822220345/http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/industry-and-economy/logistics/article2999276.ece|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/Three-avatars-of-rail-services-under-one-house/articleshow/6978476.cms?referral=PM|title=Three avatars of rail services under one house|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=24 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231224004314/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/Three-avatars-of-rail-services-under-one-house/articleshow/6978476.cms?referral=PM|url-status=live}}</ref>

=== Finances ===
In a 10 month period in 2009–10, the MRTS earned a revenue of {{INRconvert|127.6|m}} with {{INRconvert|122.1|m}} coming from ticketing sales. It had operating expenses of about {{INRconvert|230|m}}, which translated to net loss of more than {{INRconvert|100|m}}.<ref name="BT"/> {{As of|2023}}, the MRTS registered revenues of {{INRconvert|200|m}} annually. With estimated operational expenses of about {{INRconvert|1.05|b}}, the annual loss widened to {{INRconvert|0.85|b}}.<ref name="RD">{{cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/mrts-takeover-cumta-to-promote-last-mile-connectivity-at-18-stations/articleshow/103677732.cms|title=CUMTA to promote last mile connectivity at 18 stations|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|date=15 September 2023|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=11 January 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240111094855/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/mrts-takeover-cumta-to-promote-last-mile-connectivity-at-18-stations/articleshow/103677732.cms|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=MRTS upto St. Thomas Mount back on track|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/mrts-upto-st-thomas-mount-back-on-track/article4000113.ece|access-date=16 October 2012|newspaper=[[The Hindu]]|date=16 October 2012|archive-date=8 January 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160108181027/http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/mrts-upto-st-thomas-mount-back-on-track/article4000113.ece|url-status=live}}</ref> A major contributor to the losses is the revenue deficit due to subsidised cheaper fares offered by the Southern Railway, which runs the service.<ref name="Subsidy"/>

== See also ==
* [[Chennai Suburban Railway]]
* [[Chennai Metro]]
* [[Chennai Metrolite]]
* [[Rapid transit in India]]
* [[Transport in Chennai]]

== References ==
{{reflist}}

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