| S VENKATESHWARAN |
Train services on the extended MRTS line between Velachery
and St. Thomas Mount began Saturday, March 14, 2026,
bringing to an end nearly 17–18 years of waiting for commuters
in south Chennai.
The project was first proposed nearly two decades ago as part
of MRTS Phase-II. However, the work faced repeated delays
due to land acquisition litigations, coordination issues between
multiple agencies and technical alignment challenges with the
Chennai Metro Rail Phase-II construction.
The project also suffered a major setback after a girder
collapse at Thillaiganga Nagar, Nanganallur, during
construction work.
The present government took steps to resolve the long-pending
litigation issues and clear the hurdles, enabling the completion
of the project.
The MRTS extension, originally estimated at Rs. 495 crore in
2008, saw the cost escalate to Rs. 734 crore due to the
prolonged delay, land acquisition hurdles, legal issues and
technical setbacks.
After inspections conducted on March 5, the Commissioner of
Railway Safety issued a temporary safety certificate on March
11, allowing trains to operate on the route. Initially, trains were
permitted to run at a speed of 55 km per hour.
This new connectivity is expected to greatly benefit commuters.
Passengers from the Beach–Velachery MRTS line can now
access suburban train routes towards Tambaram,
Kancheepuram and Thirumalpur through St. Thomas Mount
station, which will act as an important transport hub.
Several lakhs of commuters from south Chennai are expected
to benefit from the seamless travel connectivity.
MSME Minister, Mr. T.M. Anbarasan, visited the station and
travelled from St. Thomas Mount to Velachery to mark the
occasion.
Representatives from the Federation of Nanganallur Welfare
Associations were also present. Mr. Kumaravelu V.V, advisor
and civic activist, Mr. V. Rama Rao, and Mr. Shankar were
there in person to take in the glad news.
Residents and commuters have expressed happiness over the
long-awaited transport facility.
