After 15-Year Wait, MRTS Finally Merges with Chennai Metro Rail
The Union Ministry of Railways has approved the merger of the Mass Rapid Transit System (MRTS) with the Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL). A draft Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between Southern Railway and the Tamil Nadu government in May. The Railway Board issued a circular on August 12, 2026, outlining the transfer of assets and operations.
The MRTS project began in 1975 under the First Master Plan. It started operating suburban train services from Beach to Velachery and later extended to St. Thomas Mount, which was launched in March this year. The extension includes two stations at Puzhithivakkam and Adambakkam, with one station still non-operational.
The merger process began when the Tamil Nadu government proposed it in 2011. After several meetings, it has now been finalized. According to the draft MoU, Southern Railway will transfer all assets except core train operations within 90 days. The transition period of two years will see CMRL taking over train operations entirely.
During this time, the Tamil Nadu government must pay the agreed amount in full or through party payments. The agreement includes transferring lands and infrastructure, such as lifts, escalators, foot over bridges, tracks, signaling systems, and rolling stock like EMUs (Electric Multiple Units).
The Railway Board has formed a special committee of senior officers from Southern Railway and the state government to oversee the merger.
Consumer activist T. Sadagopan welcomed the merger, saying it will improve operational efficiency. However, it will also stop demands for direct services from St. Thomas Mount to Arakkonam and Gummiddipoondi, which were previously operated on the west and north sections via Beach station.
The MRTS currently shares tracks with Chennai division stations at Beach and Fort. It has one track between Fort and Beach, but plans to create a dual track are under consideration by Southern Railway.
Two platforms at Beach and a new crossing station at Fort will be allocated for MRTS services. The merger is expected to streamline train services in the region.