The Mass Rapid Transit System (MRTS) extension between Velachery and St. Thomas Mount railway station has reached a key milestone. The project has now received a provisional safety certificate from the Chief Commissioner of Railway Safety (CCRS), allowing suburban trains to begin operations on this important route.
The certificate was issued by CCRS Janak Kumar Garg on March 11, 2026, and applies to both the up and down lines spanning a distance of 4.49 kilometres. With this approval, trains can run under the regulations of the Railways Act, 1989, marking a major step forward for the city’s transport infrastructure.
Despite this approval, there are speed restrictions in place for safety reasons. Trains on the straight portions of the main line can run at a maximum speed of 55 kilometres per hour, while speeds are reduced to 15 kilometres per hour on curves or turns. Railway officials have been instructed to strictly enforce these limits to ensure passenger safety during the initial stages of operation.
The MRTS extension is expected to bring significant benefits to commuters in the southern parts of the city. Residents of Velachery, St. Thomas Mount, and nearby areas will now have a faster and more convenient way to travel, avoiding heavy road traffic during peak hours. Experts say that once safety checks are fully completed and the authorities are satisfied with operations, the speed limits could be gradually increased to allow trains to run at normal speeds.
This project is also part of a broader effort to improve Chennai’s suburban rail network, connecting key residential and commercial areas more efficiently. By reducing travel time and easing congestion on city roads, the MRTS extension is likely to encourage more people to use public transport, contributing to a cleaner and more sustainable urban environment.
Railway officials are planning a series of trial runs and passenger awareness campaigns over the coming weeks to ensure a smooth launch. Once operational, this route will integrate with other suburban and metro lines, further strengthening the city’s public transport network.
Commuters and transport experts alike have welcomed this development, calling it a long-awaited step toward modernizing Chennai’s rail connectivity and improving daily travel for thousands of people in the city.