Chennai Mass Rapid Transit System

Chennai Mass Rapid Transit System
Velachery MRTS Station
Overview
Owner Southern Railway
Locale Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
Transit type Rapid transit
Number of lines 1 (Phase I & II)
Number of stations 18 (21 upon completion)
Daily ridership 100,000.[1]
Website www.sr.indianrailways.gov.in
Operation
Began operation 1 November 1995 (1 November 1995)
Operator(s) Southern Railway
Train length 6 & 9 coaches
Technical
System length 19.34 km (12 mi)
Track gauge Broad gauge
Electrification 25 kV, 50 Hz AC through overhead catenary
Railway map of the Chennai suburban train system including the MRTS

The Chennai Mass Rapid Transit System, a state-owned subsidiary of Indian Railways, is a metropolitan elevated railway line operated by Southern Railways. It is the first elevated railway line in India.[2] Although it is segregated from the Chennai Suburban Railway, they both are operated by Southern Railway and are integrated in a wider urban rail network. Built at a cost of ₹ 11,710 million,[3] the line runs within the city limits from Chennai Beach to Velachery, covering a distance of 19.34 km (12.02 mi) with 18 stations, with an average daily ridership of 100,000[1] commuters a day. Connecting the central business area of old Madras with the IT corridor, the section has a potential capacity of 425,000 passengers a day.[4] In 2011–2012, MRTS registered a revenue of ₹ 198.9 million, registering a 16.25 percent increase, with 134 trains plying across all the 17 stations.[5]

The MRTS is proposed to be taken over by the Chennai Metro Rail Limited thereby bringing all the elevated tracks and underground tracks inside the city under one organisation.[6][7] Upon completion of the takeover, all current MRTS trains would become air conditioned and consequently, the fares would be raised to match that of the Chennai Metro. The takeover is expected to be completed by the year 2021.[8]

History

Planning

The well-established Chennai Suburban Railway network, which dates back to 1931, began services on the metre gauge line from Beach to Tambaram. Two more suburban networks, Chennai Central–Arakkonam and Chennai Central–Gummidipoondi began operations in 1985. In 1965, the Planning Commission set up a study team on metropolitan transport to assess the adequacy and limitation of existing transport facilities in the cities of Calcutta, Bombay, Madras and Delhi to determine the feasibility of different modes of transport and recommend phased programmes for development of transport facilities.[9] In a means to supplement the existing suburban rail network in Chennai, a number of surveys were conducted in the 1960s including the surveys by the Madras Area Transportation Study Unit (MATSU), which was set up by the Planning Commission during 1968–1970 and the Metropolitan Transport Project (MTP), which was established by Indian Railways in July 1971.[10] The surveys and studies identified eight important transport corridors, including the 39-km north–southeastern rail corridor along the Buckingham Canal.[11] These were soon followed by a feasibility study conducted by RITES, an engineering and infrastructure enterprise of the Government of India, on behalf of the state government. The study results were submitted in 1975, suggesting a rail-based mass transit system between Kasturba Nagar and Manali Road.

The system was envisaged as a 59.38 km (36.90 mi) loop line passing through Chennai Beach and Tiruvottiyur.[12] In the 1980s, the government began planning for a new railway line inside the city. The suburban lines offered no connectivity to Central and South Madras (as the city was known then). Planning began in 1984.[13]

Since the rail line passes through congested parts of the city, an elevated rail system with an alignment along the Buckingham Canal was selected, as it would avoid land-acquisition problems.[3] The MTP intended to implement the project in four phases:

However, the current line is slated to not extend past St. Thomas Mount, as the Chennai Metro project is slated to use a similar alignment.[12][14][15]

Construction and opening

Aerial view of MRTS during the time of construction

Although the present system was planned in the 1970s and the 1980s, the project was taken up for implementation by the Government of India, Ministry of Railways in 1983–84 at an estimated cost of ₹ 534.6 million,[15] it took nearly a decade for the first phase to construct and begin operation. Construction began in earnest in 1991. After many delays, the first phase was operational from Beach up to Chepauk in 1995 as the first elevated railway line in the country,[16] and it was extended to Thirumyilai station in Mylapore in 1997.[10][17] When the first phase between Chennai Beach and Thirumyilai opened in 1997, the project cost ₹ 2,690 million, compared to the initial estimate of ₹ 550 million in 1984.[11] The patronage of the first phase turned out to be way lesser than the over-reckoned value of 603,000 passengers per day.[18] In 1998, the Railway Board accorded sanction of executing Phase II of the project from Thirumayilai to Velachery.

The second phase of the project was taken up on the basis of the study conducted by RITES during 1987 and 1994 and taking into account population growth and the capacity of public transport system.[9] The MRTS services were extended from Thirumaylai to Thiruvanmiyur on 27 June 2004, as part of its second phase.[19][20][21][22][23][24] On 19 November 2007, the network was further extended from Thiruvanmiyur to Velachery[25] at a cost of ₹ 7,690 million.[22][25][26][27] The extended second phase of the project, connecting Velachery with St. Thomas Mount, is currently underway. However, changes to its original alignment have drawn fierce opposition from residents, some of whom have been asked to relocate.[28][29][30][31][32]

The progress of different phases of the line is summarised in the following table:

PhaseLengthRouteStationsOpening DateCompletion CostAlignment Details[33]
Phase I 8.55 km (5.31 mi)Chennai Beach—Thirumayilai819 October 1997₹ 2,690 millionThe alignment from Chennai Beach to Park Town is along the existing broad-gauge suburban system (2.75 km (1.71 mi), surface); alignment from Park Town to Thirumayilai is along the Buckingham canal (6.21 km (3.86 mi), elevated). Chennai Beach—Chepauk stretch was opened on 16 November 1995.
Phase II-A 11.376 km (7.069 mi)Thirumayilai—Velachery919 November 2007₹ 7,690 millionAlignment is along the Buckingham canal from Thirumayilai to Thiruvanmiyur beyond which it deviates towards west, away from the canal—9.614 km (5.974 mi) elevated and 1.762 km (1.095 mi) surface line. Single lane services between Thirumayilai and Thiruvanmiyur were available from 27 January 2004.
Phase II-B (Phase II Extension) 5 km (3.1 mi)Velachery—St. Thomas Mount3March 2018[34]N/AFully elevated. The proposed alignment of the initial 3.585 km (2.228 mi) from Velachery is chiefly along the Inner Ring Road (IRR). The remaining distance of about 1.5 km (1 mi) is proposed to cut the private built-up areas to reach St. Thomas Mount.
Phase III 16.76 km (10.41 mi)St. Thomas Mount—Villivakkam10N/AN/AThe alignment from St. Thomas Mount to Villivakkam has been cancelled, as the Chennai Metro is intended to follow a similar alignment.[14][15][33]
Phase IV 50 km (31 mi)Perungudi—Kalpakkam20N/AN/AThis will extend MRTS from Perungudi to Kalpakkam via Sholinganallur, Navalur, Kelambakkam and Mahabalipuram. In Kalpakkam, the line will join the proposed Chengalpattu—Kalpakkam—Pondicherry—Cuddalore line.

Funding pattern

Phase I from Beach to Tirumailai was fully funded by the Southern Railways, and the state government gave the required land free of cost. Phase II between Tirumailai and Velachery was implemented with the state government bearing two-thirds of the project cost. For the extension of Phase II to St. Thomas Mount, the ratio remains the same as Phase II.[35]

Infrastructure

Route description

The Chennai MRTS route is largely elevated, with at-grade sections at its terminals. From Beach to Chennai Park Town station, the line runs at grade, parallel to the suburban railway network. Following Chennai Park Town station, the line's first phase becomes elevated and follows the course of the Buckingham Canal, which runs parallel to the Coromandel Coast. The line remains elevated for the alignment of the second phase up to Perungudi, after which it returns to an at-grade section at Velachery. The 19 km (12 mi) line from Chennai Beach to Velachery is 15 km (9 mi) elevated and 4 km (2 mi) at surface.[33] The ongoing 5 km (3 mi) extension of the line from Velachery to St. Thomas Mount is also elevated.

Minor change in the alignment
MRTS crossing in the IT Corridor

In 2001, the Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority (CMDA) proposed a realignment of the MRTS route to St. Thomas Mount and combined it with the Inner Ring Road because it faced difficulties with land acquisition. The Government of Tamil Nadu accepted it in 2006, and an order confirming the changes was passed. About 186 hectares of land that were frozen from development till then were released. However, the alignment was changed further as the Department of Highways deviated from the approved alignment of the Inner Ring Road without consulting the CMDA or the Metropolitan Transport Project (MTP–Railways). These resulted in a deviation of the MRTS alignment in the order of 15 m (49 ft).[31]

Stations

Snaking through the central region of Chennai, the alignment covers several significant landmarks of the city and currently has 18 stations. The Chennai Beach station is a hub terminal for several suburban trains, and, along with Chennai Fort station, it serves the commercial locations of Broadway and Parry's Corner. Chennai Park Town station is located opposite Chennai Central, which is a hub for both long-distance express trains and suburban trains. Places of tourist interests such as Parthasarathy Temple and Kapaleeshwarar Temple are located close to Thiruvallikeni and Thirumayilai MRTS stations, respectively. Marina Beach spans along the stretch of the Thiruvallikeni and Light House stations, in addition to the Chepauk station, which lies abutting the Chepauk Stadium. The MRTS also passes through those areas of Chennai where the information technology (IT) industry is located—while the Kasturba Nagar, Thiruvanmiyur and Indira Nagar stations are located on the IT corridor, the neighbourhoods of Perungudi, Taramani and Velachery also have IT establishments. The St. Thomas Mount station at the southern end of the alignment, upon completion, will have three different types of railway networks, namely, the suburban and long-distance express trains plying on the conventional tracks at grade level, the MRTS elevated station at level 1 and the Chennai Metro Rail at level 2. The station would be having an area of about 48,000 m2 (516,668 sq ft) and would be designed to integrate five different modes of transport including MTC buses.[36][37][38]

Each station is designed by a different architect and is built to accommodate a 9-car train.[39] Most stations also feature two-side platforms.

# Station name[40] Estimated distance from Chennai Beach in km[33] Opening Connections Layout
EnglishTamil
1Chennai Beachசென்னை கடற்கரை01 November 1995Chennai Suburban – South Line
Chennai Suburban North Line
Chennai Suburban West Line		At Grade
2Chennai Fortசென்னை கோட்டை1.701 November 1995Chennai Suburban – South LineAt Grade
3Chennai Park Townசென்னை பூங்கா நகர்2.541 November 1995Chennai Suburban – South Line
Chennai Central
Chennai Suburban West Line
Chennai Suburban North Line
Chennai Metro Line 1
Chennai Metro Line 2		At Grade
4Chintadripetசிந்தாதிரிப்பேட்டை3.431 November 1995Elevated
5Chepaukசேப்பாக்கம்51 November 1995Elevated
6Thiruvallikeniதிருவல்லிக்கேணி5.7419 October 1997Elevated
7Light Houseகலங்கரை விளக்கம்6.9519 October 1997Elevated
8Mundagakanniamman Koilமுண்டகக்கண்ணியம்மன் கோவில்7.92514 May 2014Elevated
9Thirumayilaiதிருமயிலை8.6619 October 1997Elevated
10Mandaveliமந்தைவெளி9.69926 January 2004Elevated
11Greenways Roadபசுமைவழிச் சாலை11.0226 January 2004Elevated
12Kotturpuramகோட்டூர்புரம்11.89226 January 2004Elevated
13Kasturba Nagarகஸ்தூரிபாய் நகர்12.82426 January 2004Elevated
14Indira Nagarஇந்திரா நகர்13.79626 January 2004Elevated
15Thiruvanmiyurதிருவான்மியூர்14.65526 January 2004Elevated
16Taramaniதரமணி16.5719 November 2007Elevated
17Perungudiபெருங்குடி17.71319 November 2007Elevated
18Velacheryவேளச்சேரி19.3419 November 2007At Grade
*Puzhuthivakkamபுழுதிவாக்கம்21.190Under ConstructionElevated
*Adambakkamஆதம்பாக்கம்22.190Under ConstructionElevated
*St. Thomas Mountபரங்கிமலை24.235Under ConstructionChennai Suburban – South Line
Chennai Metro Line 2		Elevated

Design

MRTS Station

In many aspects, the Chennai MRTS bears greater resemblance to the Chennai Suburban Railway as opposed to a true rapid transit line. MRTS uses the same gauge as the suburban system, thus allowing the movements of passengers between the existing suburban lines and the MRTS.[41] Owing to this reason, the trains run on the MRTS are 'normal' EMUs and do not have automatic doors like a metro train. Ballastless track is used between Tirumailai and Velachery[42] The elevated tracks are built at an average height of about 14 metres from the ground.[43]

Plans for using the empty space at MRTS stations

There are various plans to use the empty space in the MRTS stations.[44]

  • Food stalls at MRTS stations

In Feb 2009, IRCTC envisaged to set up food stalls at 12 MRTS stations.[45] But the food stalls have not materialised hitherto.[46]

In Sep 2013, the IRCTC decideed to initially set up food stalls at three 3 key MRTS stations Tirumailai (Mylapore), Thiruvanmiyur and Velachery. The proposed plazas will have multiple shops and serve multi-cuisine food. The facility will be similar to the setup at Chennai Central railway station.[47][48]

In October 2013, there are plans to open Amma Unavagams (Mother Canteens), the subsidised canteens run by the Tamil Nadu government, in the huge empty space of MRTS stations.[44]

Commercial exploitation of the space in MRTS stations is not a new idea. However, over the years, many projects have failed to take off. Some years ago, CMDA had proposed the exploitation of space in nine stations across 11.16 km of the second phase of MRTS.

Operations

Hours of operation and frequencies

The route length between Chennai Beach and Velachery is 19.34 km (12.02 mi),[33][40] with an average speed of 29 km/h (18 mph), with the current journey time has been 45 minutes.[49][50]

The first train departs from Chennai Beach at 4:15 am, and the last one departs at 9:35 pm. From Velachery, the first train departs at 5:00 am to Chennai beach, with the last train departing Velachery at 10:20 pm.[51] On Sundays, a total of 51 trips are operated.[52] In the peak hours, nine-car trains are used, while six-car trains are operated during the remaining time.[53] Nine-car rakes were introduced in 2008.[54] All services, on the MRTS, were upgraded to 9 cars from Aug-2015 onwards.[55] Two additional services promised in 2012 Railway Budget were introduced only in July 2013.[56]

Patronage

Chintadripet railway station of the Chennai MRTS
MRTS daily patronage

The line currently transports less than 25 percent of its projected passenger capacity.[57] The MRTS experiences a ridership of 78,000 commuters during weekdays and Saturdays. However, there has been a ridership increase from approximately 25,000 people in 2000[11] and 66,518 people in 2008.[58] Incidentally, when the MRTS was extended up to Velachery in 2007, it saw a three-fold increase in the revenue.[59] As of July 2015 the ridership is at 100,000 commuters a day. Commuters point out that the MRTS services could see higher patronage if the railway stations have better bus connectivity, proper maintenance and enough lighting and security.[60]

Of the system's 18 stations, Chennai Park Town, Thirumayilai, Thiruvanmiyur and Velachery account for nearly 40 percent of the ridership.[61][62][63][64] In a measure to increase patronage, the MRTS had adopted several schemes to draw potential passengers.[3][11][65]

As the route passes close to some of the most famous temples of Chennai, the MRTS operates special trains during popular religious festivals such as the Vaikunta Ekadashi at Parthasarathy Temple in Triplicane[66] and Arupathumoovar at the Kapaleeshwarar Temple in Mylapore.[67] Special trains are also run during cricket matches at the M. A. Chidambaram Stadium at Chepauk,[10][68][69] and air shows[70] and Kaanum Pongal at the Marina Beach.[71][72][73][74][75][76][77][78] and bus strikes.[79]

Finances

For the 10-month period from April 2009 to January 2010, the MRTS earned a total revenue of ₹ 127.6 million: with a fare revenue of (₹ 122.1 million from ticketing sales, ₹ 2.6 million from advertisement sales and ₹ 2.9 million from parking contracts). This is compared with an estimated operating expense of about ₹ 230 million. The operational cost of the entire stretch is about ₹ 1.8 million per day while revenue generated amounts to only ₹ 0.3 million per day.[12]

Mylapore railway station in the afternoon
Average daily passenger earnings

The average number of passengers and the revenue generated per day over the past years are listed below:[12]

Year No. of passengers Total revenue (in ₹)
2008–200931,879355,948
2009–201033,178396,374

The MRTS network registered a 16.25-percent increase in revenue to ₹ 198.9 million in 2011–2012 period.[80]

Fares and ticketing

Fare structure of the Chennai MRTS[81]
Distance (km)2nd-Class Fares1st-Class Fares
Adult (₹)Child (₹)Adult (₹)Child (₹)
1–5554545
6–10554545
11–15555545
16–20558055
21–2510108555

The fare structure of the Chennai MRTS is integrated with that of the Chennai Suburban Railway, as both are operated by the Southern Railways. Unlike most rapid transit systems, and like the Chennai Suburban Railway, the Chennai MRTS maintains first-class passenger seating and does not have air-conditioned coaches.[82][83] First class travel is only available aboard 9-car trains.[58]

In addition to the fare scheme listed in the table, which is meant for one-time ticketed travel, the Southern Railways has monthly tickets and quarterly season tickets scheme for more frequent travellers.[84][85][86]

Rolling stock

Side profile of Ad-wrapped EMU in MRTS
EMU at Velachery MRTS station

The Chennai MRTS uses 9-car WAU-4 electrical multiple unit trains, although the 9-car trains are more prevalent during peak hours and from Aug-2015 onwards all services are 9-cars only.[55] The trains use 25KV overhead catenary for power supply and are broad gauge.[87][88] A 9-car rake is typified by 3 motor coaches each at the front, the middle and the last. The motors are used to run the wheels of the train at a stipulated speed limit.[89] The MRTS coaches have entry and exit on both sides. The EMU coaches were manufactured by the Integral Coach Factory, Chennai between 1967 and 1969.

Criticism

Since its construction stages, the Chennai MRTS has had its share of controversies and criticism,[90] including the cost-effectiveness of the route, accessibility,[91] poor maintenance of stations, lack of intermodal transport facility, environmental concerns, budgeting issues and security issues.[92] In light of these issues, which further impacted the line's low ridership, the MRTS has been working incrementally to change its image to Chennai's residents, by addressing and ameliorating the current conditions.[93]

Unused provision for retail space at Thiruvanmiyur station

Lack of integration with other modes of transport

Some stations lack proper and safe approach roads, thus deterring passengers from reaching the stations. A study jointly conducted by Southern Railways and CMDA is currently in progress, and the survey results would help to identify the infrastructure problems that hinder ridership on MRTS[94][95] and Mono Rail on the need to provide infrastructure like ramps, skywalks, nearby bus stops and pedestrians walkways.[96][96] Access to the Chennai MRTS remains a crucial issue to the line's success, as it does not fully integrate with other modes of transportation in the city,.[61][82][96][97][98]

Special focus would be on pedestrian facilities that would provide access to MRTS stations from nearby roads and bus stops, apart from identifying new feeder routes for the network.[57] With the completion of connectivity to St. Thomas Mount (expected by 2017), the MRTS will be integrated into the grid of the Chennai Suburban Railway and the Chennai Metro Rail, thus sharing an intermodal transportation interchange with both the systems, when it is expected to reach its full potential due to uninterrupted movement of commuters across different rail lines in the city.[99]

The state and central governments are also working together for the CMRL to takeover the Mass Rapid Transport System (MRTS) so that the latter will get a new shot of blood with modernised stations, integrated ticketing systems, better facilities for passengers, increased frequency of services taking into consideration passenger demands, and also lead to better maintenance.[100]

Inadequate maintenance and usage of station facilities

GPS in an MRTS station showing train timings

The system has also been criticised for improper maintenance of stations[101] and the infrastructure[102][103] and on the windshields of cars parked below the stations,[104] vandalism at several stations, seepage of rainwater through holes in the roofs of stations[105][106] non-functional station amenities such as lifts and escalators,[5][19][46][58][62][107][108][109][110][111][112][113][114][115][116] Station staff have expressed their concern over the Chennai MRTS's safety issues.[3][117][118][118][119][120][121][122] and conducting various thefts[123][124][125][126][127] In a recent bid to provide improve the security of the passengers using the network, it has been decided that the MRTS stations would have a single entry and exit point as it has been difficult for the RPF personnel to monitor multiple gates at the same time.[62][128][129][130] According to sources, there is a 20% shortage in the strength of the railway protection force in MRTS stations.[131]

Other issues

The MRTS has been criticised for environmental issues during its construction phase, due to the fact that much of the alignment was built along the banks of the Buckingham Canal.[99][132] Although the canal itself has been in decline due to fly tipping and sewage[133] the Chennai River Restoration Trust has planned to revitalise and redevelop it. However, a 7.1-km section will remain impassable due to the presence of the MRTS. Another environmental impact caused by the erection of MRTS pillars in the canal is the blocking of the natural flow of storm water during rains. This has led to severe stagnation of rainwater in the neighbourhoods adjoining the canal.[134]

Stations of the Chennai MRTS (from left to right: Chepauk, Mylapore, Velachery, Chintadripet)

Future plans

Extension to St. Thomas Mount

Work on the 5 km (3 mi), three-station Phase II extension from Velachery to St. Thomas Mount began in 2008, with an original estimated completion of December 2010.[135][136] The cost of the extension was estimated at ₹ 4,957 million. However, the line has been repeatedly postponed due to multiple issues during its construction process.[137][138]

In May 2018, the Madras High Court allowed the Railways to take over 3.9 acres of the 4.87 acres of encroached land at Velachery for the MRTS extension.[139]

History of construction of MRTS Phase-2 Extension

Despite the delays, the extension from Velachery to St. Thomas Mount is currently underway. Track laying is progressing on the first 2 km (1 mi) stretch from Velachery. Of the remaining 1.5 km, the last 0.5 km (0 mi) from St. Thomas Mount is being constructed simultaneously with Chennai Metro. Litigation had previously prevented the work from being carried out in the last portion of track laying and the work had been stalled for nearly two years. However, a court ruling was passed in favour of the Chennai MRTS.

  • July-2011 Construction of the stations begins.
  • July-2012 According to the Railway Budget 2012, the section would be commissioned by December 2013.[140]
  • October-2012 Land acquisition by CMDA has resumed after the Madras High court vacated a stay and construction work is expected to resume once the acquired land is transferred to the Railways. Land acquisition on the 5-km stretch resumed to be completed in 45 days.[5][141]
  • April 2013 expected to be completed by February 2013 but legal wrangles continue to obstruct the development[142]
  • July-2013 The extension of the network has hit a cul de sac near Thillai Ganga Nagar due to difficulty in procuring the land from the locals.[143][144]
  • May-2014 3.7 km of the 5-km stretch of the MRTS line completed. Work is expected to resume, in a month, after the beneficiaries who had approached the High Court against the acquisition of 500 metres of land are expected to be compensated under the Indian government’s new Land Acquisition Act, that came into effect on 2014, replacing a 119-year-old obsolete legislation.[145]
  • October-2014 Few of the residents again approached court demanding higher compensation, based on the Land Acquisition Act 2013 - that came into force from 1 January 2014.[146]
  • July-2015 As many as 18 cases filed in Madras High Court to fix the compensation under the new Land Acquisition Act - and the project was not expected to be complete before December, 2016.[147]
  • 6 August 2015 the High Court directed the authorities to follow the new law enacted in 2013 that gave better compensation to land owners and to complete the exercise as expeditiously as possible and not later than three months.[148]
  • November 2015 Revenue Officials state that land acquisition process had been put on hold as they were engaged in flood-relief work.[149]
  • March 2016 Southern Railway General Manager states that MRTS final phase will take at least 18 more months from the date of receiving land (for the last 500 meters) from State Government - which is yet to start the process of acquiring land as per new rates.[150]

Design

The extension will be on an elevated structure whose alignment will be along the median of the Inner Ring Road (IRR) up to 3.585 km (2.228 mi) from Velachery, except for a small portion near Medavakkam Road. Beyond 3.585 km (2.228 mi), the alignment would deviate from IRR and would pass through the private built-up areas and terminate at St. Thomas Mount station. There are two stations en route, namely, Puzhithivakkam (1.85 km (1.15 mi) from Velachery) and Adambakkam (2.85 km (1.77 mi) from Velachery). All three stations, including St. Thomas Mount, will be on an elevated structure. Unlike stations on the Tirumailai–Velachery stretch, only minimum passenger amenities will be provided at the stations and no commercial complexes are planned. Due to spatial constraints, the stations are being built in a smaller design, with four staircases with escalators covering both sides of the road.[151][152]

Benefits

The extension up to St. Thomas Mount is believed to benefit several people including those working in the IT establishments, residences and other offices near to the MRTS network.[153][154] The patronage of the network is expected to increase significantly with this extension because St. Thomas Mount station will emerge as a single point interchange for 5 different modes of public transport – Public Buses, Southern Railway, the MRTS, Suburban South Line and Metro Line 2 - including a multi level terminal for three different suburban railway networks.[80][155] Thus, the Mass Rapid Transit System (MRTS) is likely to be the missing link in the proposed three-way integration at St. Thomas Mount railway station when metro rail is up and running by mid-2014. It also has been further decided to terminate long distance trains there, so that the city traffic may get reduced.[156]

Proposed extension to Villivakkam

The third and fourth phases of the MRTS were initially planned to connect St. Thomas Mount with Villivakkam and Villivakkam with Ennore, respectively.[157] However, with the implementation of the Chennai Metro Rail, the plan for developing these two phases have been dropped, since these overlaps with the alignment of the Chennai Metro Rail.[158]

Proposed Chennai to Cuddalore Port coastal railway corridor

In 2008, a proposal was initiated to construct a new railway line from Perungudi MRTS station in Chennai to Pondicherry via Old Mahabalipuram Road (OMR) and East Coast Road (ECR). The line emanating from Perungudi MRTS station is envisaged to be 179 km long and is expected to traverse via Sholinganallur, SIPCOT, Kovalam, Tiruporur, Mamallapuram, Kalpakkam, Koovathur, Cheyyur, Marakkanam, Kunimedu, Kuiyilappalayam, Jipmer in Pondicherry, Bahour, Varakalpattu, and Tirupadipuliyur to reach Cuddalore Port Jn.[159] The railway line would run on an embankment.[160] There was also a proposal to extend the line up to Karaikal via Mayiladuthurai.[161] The railway line was sanctioned in the 2007 supplementary budget with an estimated cost of ₹ 5,230 million. However, there has been a delay owing to lack of funds[159] and the project is expected to be completed in about 10 years. To expedite the project, the railway board is looking out for multiple options including private contribution, although the model is not yet finalised.[162] There are also alternative plans of beginning or linking the line to Chengalpet.[163][164] This railway corridor is expected to reduce the travel time between Chennai and Pondicherry to two hours against five hours along the present route via Villupuram. In Oct-2013, the state government started acquiring land for the 179-km project. At that time the project was estimated to cost ₹ 8,000 million.[165]

Merging with Chennai Metro

The MRTS will be merged with Chennai Metro by 2021, for which PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) has been appointed as a consultant. It is expected that PwC will be ready with a plan for the merger by the end of 2017. But the merger is expected to take at least three years after that. Following the merger, the existing suburban trains that the MRTS use will be replaced by air-conditioned trains of Chennai Metro Rail. The fares of MRTS too will be increased to match that of Chennai Metro Rail and the ownership of existing assets of the MRTS will be transferred to CMRL.So Only People Cannot use this service A terminal facility for MRTS will be constructed at the Chennai Fort Station on the state government land available at the station.[166]

In July 2018, PwC said the merger would be a costly affair costing around ₹ 30,000 million to change the trains and other facilities to felicitate merger.[167]

Trivia

  • MRTS schedules are available on Google Maps or Google Transit and this feature has been extended for Android smartphone devices too.[168][169][170][171]
  • SMS tracking facility is to be implemented in MRTS trains. The trains have been fitted with GPS devices and the new method will help finding the position of the trains in real time without human intervention.[172]

See also

References

Notes

  1. 1 2 Hari. "MRTS goes full nine-car".
  2. ↑ Year Book 2009. Bright Publications. p. 569.
  3. 1 2 3 4 Madhavan, N. (4 April 2010). "Mass rejected transit system". Business Today. Chennai: Living Media India Limited. Retrieved 15 August 2012.
  4. ↑ Menon, Shobha (16–31 August 2008). "The Metro experience". Madras Musings. XVIII (9). Retrieved 24 Apr 2014.
  5. 1 2 3 "MRTS upto St. Thomas Mount back on track". The Hindu. Chennai. 16 October 2012. Retrieved 15 December 2012.
  6. ↑ Sreevatsan, Ajai (6 August 2010). "Metro Rail may take over MRTS". The Hindu. Chennai, India.
  7. ↑ Janardhanan, Arun (2 August 2014). "Chennai Metro rail likely to take over MRTS". The Times of India. Chennai.
  8. ↑ Sunitha Sekar (20 September 2016). "Metro-MRTS merger: Hunt on for consultant". The Hindu.
  9. 1 2 "Report No.5 of 2006 (Railways)" (PDF). cag.nic.in. Archived from the original (PDF) on 1 February 2014.
  10. 1 2 3 S. Vydhianathan (28 September 2003). "On the wrong track?". The Hindu. Retrieved 29 July 2012.
  11. 1 2 3 4 Raja Simhan, T. E. (29 May 2000). "Chennai's MRTS: Not on fast track, yet". Business Line. Chennai. Archived from the original on 29 October 2013. Retrieved 15 August 2012.
  12. 1 2 3 4 Sreevatsan, Ajai (10 August 2010). "Metro Rail may take over MRTS". The Hindu. Chennai. Retrieved 19 August 2012.
  13. ↑ N.S.Vageesh (27 September 2003). "A princely ride in Chennai's MRTS". The Hindu. Retrieved 29 February 2012.
  14. 1 2 A. Srivathsan (25 June 2012). "MRTS: A wreck of a system". The Hindu. Retrieved 25 June 2012.
  15. 1 2 3 "DEVELOPMENT OF MRTS IN CHENNAI". CMDA.
  16. ↑ "Brief History of the Division" (PDF). Chennai Division. Indian Railways—Southern Railways. Retrieved 26 October 2012.
  17. ↑ Ajai Sreevatsan (31 October 2011). "Evolution of Chennai's Public Transport System" (PDF). The Hindu. Chennai, India. Retrieved 29 February 2012.
  18. ↑ "MRTS work in progress". The Indian Express, Madras. 16 July 1994. Retrieved 18 September 2012.
  19. 1 2 "Planning, execution and operation of Mass Rapid Transit System, Chennai. Chapter III" (PDF). Audit Reports of MRTS, Chennai. CAG. Archived from the original (PDF) on 5 November 2013. Retrieved 16 September 2012.
  20. ↑ T. E. Raja Simhan, M. Ramesh (18 August 2007). "Extended MRTS stretch in Chennai ready for inauguration". Business Line. Retrieved 18 August 2012.
  21. ↑ "MRTS services extended". The Hindu. 27 January 2004. Retrieved 29 July 2012.
  22. 1 2 S. Vydhianathan (15 November 2007). "Velachery MRTS inauguration on Monday". The Hindu. Retrieved 29 July 2012.
  23. ↑ "Delay in launch of Tiruvanmiyur-Velachery MRTS service". The Hindu. 24 November 2006. Retrieved 21 August 2012.
  24. ↑ "pdf uploads" (PDF). Indian Railways. Retrieved 19 August 2012.
  25. 1 2 "Tiruvanmiyur-Velachery MRTS service opened". Business Line. 20 November 2007. Retrieved 21 August 2012.
  26. ↑ "Traffic and Transportation, Chapter 5" (PDF). CMDA. Retrieved 19 August 2012.
  27. ↑ R. Srikanth and Krishna Velupillai (21 November 2007). "Velachery MRTS service goes down well with commuters". The Hindu. Retrieved 21 August 2012.
  28. ↑ "Protest against MRTS corridor realignment". The Hindu. Chennai. 2 October 2010. Retrieved 15 August 2012.
  29. ↑ "Threat of relocation evokes protests as Southern Railway alters MRTS alignment". The Times of India. Chennai. 1 August 2010. Retrieved 15 August 2012.
  30. ↑ "Opposition to MRTS phase-II alignment changes gains pace". The Hindu. 3 October 2010. Retrieved 20 August 2012.
  31. 1 2 Srivathsan, A. (13 July 2010). "MRTS alignment changes leave residents worried". The Hindu. Chennai. Retrieved 15 August 2012.
  32. ↑ Julie Mariappan (16 March 2011). "MRTS extension stopped in its tracks". The Times of India. Retrieved 21 August 2012.
  33. 1 2 3 4 5 R.Ramanathan. "Presentation on MRTS & Rail facilities in and around Chennai" (PDF). Traffic Transportation and Parking – Session 2. CMDA, Chennai. Retrieved 19 August 2012.
  34. ↑ http://www.newindianexpress.com/states/tamil-nadu/2016/dec/19/mrts-phase-ii-extension-deadline-again-extended-1550728.html
  35. ↑ S.Vydhianathan (27 June 2002). "Existing funding pattern to continue for MRTS phase-II". The Hindu. Retrieved 20 August 2012.
  36. ↑ A. Srivathsan (13 April 2010). "Integrated station at St. Thomas Mount planned". The Hindu. Retrieved 18 August 2012.
  37. ↑ V.Chakrapani (21 May 2012). "Metro and MRTS station at St Thomas Mount spanning an area of 48000 sq.m". Dinamalar (in Tamil). Retrieved 18 August 2012.
  38. ↑ "St. Thomas Mount is set to become the Junction of Metro, MRTS and Sub-Urban unit Trains". Dinamalar (in Tamil). 3 November 2011. Retrieved 19 August 2012.
  39. ↑ "Chennai MRTS – Chennai". placesonline.com. Retrieved 18 August 2012.
  40. 1 2 "Indian Railways Time Table". Indian Railways. Retrieved 18 August 2012.
  41. ↑ "Metro – Urban – Suburban Systems". Irfca.org. Retrieved 13 November 2012.
  42. ↑ K. Manikandan (24 January 2003). "Ballastless technology to cut down track maintenance cost". The Hindu. Retrieved 20 September 2012.
  43. ↑ Manikandan, K. (2 December 2014). "A long trek for a train". The Hindu. Retrieved 28 December 2014.
  44. 1 2 Aloysius Xavier Lopez (5 October 2013). "Amma canteens may soon come up at Chennai's MRTS stations". The Hindu, Chennai. Retrieved 14 October 2013.
  45. ↑ "Snazzy food stalls at MRTS stations". The Times of India, Chennai. 27 February 2009. Retrieved 27 July 2013.
  46. 1 2 V Ayyappan (30 March 2012). "IRCTC to build food kiosks at MRTS stations off-track". The Times of India. Retrieved 21 August 2012.
  47. ↑ Vivek Narayanan (28 September 2013). "Missed a meal? Grab a bite at MRTS station in Chennai". The Hindu, Chennai. Retrieved 14 October 2013.
  48. ↑ T K Rohit (31 July 2008). "MORE BANG FOR THE BUCK MRTS stations to house IT offices CMDA To Develop One Lakh Sq Ft Commercial Space at Stations; Woo Malls, Firms". The Times of India, Chennai. Retrieved 27 July 2013.
  49. ↑ "Operational time of MRTS trains revised". The Hindu. 1 July 2012. Retrieved 21 August 2012.
  50. ↑ R.Srikanth (18 March 2012). "Technical snag delays MRTS services". The Hindu. Retrieved 21 August 2012.
  51. ↑ "Chennai Beach – Velachery – Chennai Beach Week days service" (PDF). Southern Railways. Archived from the original (PDF) on 6 September 2012. Retrieved 18 August 2012.
  52. ↑ "Chennai Beach – Velachery – Chennai Beach Sunday service" (PDF). Southern Railways. Retrieved 18 August 2012.
  53. ↑ H Sheik Mydeen (12 July 2012). "Change in timings holds up MRTS services". The New Indian Express.
  54. ↑ "MRTS monthly income set to cross Rs. 1 crore". The Hindu. 1 July 2008. Retrieved 18 August 2012.
  55. 1 2 "MRTS goes full nine-car".
  56. ↑ Two more MRTS trains introduced, 23 July 2013, The Times of India, Chennai
  57. 1 2 "Survey to identify lacunae in facilities near MRTS stations". The Hindu. 19 October 2012. Retrieved 20 October 2012.
  58. 1 2 3 Srikanth, R. (11 November 2008). "MRTS getting popular, yet it has miles to go". The Hindu. Chennai. Retrieved 15 August 2012.
  59. ↑ S. Vydhianathan (20 December 2007). "Three-fold increase in MRTS revenue". The Hindu. Retrieved 21 August 2012.
  60. ↑ "20 years on, a favourite with commuters".
  61. 1 2 Ajai Sreevatsan (17 January 2012). "Swanky new road, but MTC buses shy away". The Hindu. Retrieved 21 August 2012.
  62. 1 2 3 "Safety takes a backseat at MRTS stations". The Hindu. Chennai. 19 February 2011. Retrieved 15 August 2012.
  63. ↑ Ajai Sreevatsan (15 November 2009). "Poor patronage at some MRTS stations". The Hindu. Retrieved 18 August 2012.
  64. ↑ Jeeva (4 September 2009). "MTC to axe services to 3 MRTS stations". The Times of India. Chennai. Retrieved 15 August 2012.
  65. ↑ Sreevatsan, Ajai (24 February 2010). "Poor patronage for MRTS Ladies Special service". The Hindu. Chennai. Retrieved 15 August 2012.
  66. ↑ "Huge crowds throng temples on Vaikunta Ekadasi". The Times of India. 18 December 2010. Retrieved 18 August 2012.
  67. ↑ "MRTS specials for 'Arupathumoovar' festival". The Hindu. 2 April 2004. Retrieved 18 August 2012.
  68. ↑ "Special trains for cricket match". The Hindu. 19 March 2011. Retrieved 18 August 2012.
  69. ↑ "Special trains on MRTS in view of ICC World Cup Cricket Match". Southern Railway Website. Southern Railways. Retrieved 18 August 2012.
  70. ↑ "Special bus, train services for air show". The Hindu. 21 April 2007. Retrieved 18 August 2012.
  71. ↑ "Thousands throng Marina for Kaanum Pongal". One India News. 17 January 2008. Retrieved 18 August 2012.
  72. ↑ "Beaches sport festive look on Kaanum Pongal". The Hindu. 18 January 2012. Retrieved 21 August 2012.
  73. ↑ Ajai Sreevatsan (20 January 2011). "Kaanum Pongal brings MTC, MRTS good revenue". The Hindu. Retrieved 21 August 2012.
  74. ↑ Yogesh Kabirdoss (23 November 2011). "After hike, MTC loss is Railways' gain". The New Indian Express. Retrieved 19 August 2012.
  75. ↑ C.S. Kotteswaran (26 November 2011). "Passengers shun buses, switch to trains". Deccan Chronicle. Archived from the original on 10 February 2016. Retrieved 18 September 2012.
  76. ↑ V Ayyappan, Karthikeyan Hemalatha (24 December 2011). "More commuters opt for trains, buses". The Times of India. Retrieved 18 September 2012.
  77. ↑ K.Lakshmi, R.Sujatha (30 May 2012). "When in crisis, hop on to bus or train". The Hindu. Retrieved 18 August 2012.
  78. ↑ Daniel Thimmayya & Sharadha Narayanan (27 December 2011). "MRTS never more attractive". The New Indian Express. Retrieved 16 October 2012.
  79. ↑ "A 'striking' popularity for MRTS". The Hindu. 14 October 2000. Retrieved 18 August 2012.
  80. 1 2 "MRTS upto St. Thomas Mount back on track". The Hindu. 16 October 2012. Retrieved 16 October 2012.
  81. ↑ "Sub Urban Fare". erail.in. Retrieved 19 April 2013.
  82. 1 2 "More avenues lie ahead for MRTS to explore". The Hindu. 5 February 2008. Retrieved 21 August 2012.
  83. ↑ George Adimathra (11 May 2011). "AC suburban trains remain on paper". Deccan Chronicle. Archived from the original on 12 May 2011. Retrieved 25 August 2012.
  84. ↑ Vivek Narayanan (8 May 2012). "Wait for ticket gets painful". The Hindu. Retrieved 21 August 2012.
  85. ↑ Sreevatsan, Ajai (4 May 2010). "ATVMs wait for users even during rush hour". The Hindu. Chennai. Retrieved 19 August 2012.
  86. ↑ "Railways claim good patronage to MRTS". Outlook India. 13 February 2008. Archived from the original on 31 January 2013. Retrieved 21 August 2012.
  87. ↑ G.Ananthakrishnan (27 February 2013). "Why no AC train for Chennai MRTS?". The Hindu, Chennai. Retrieved 19 April 2013.
  88. ↑ "General Description of Electrical Rolling Stock". Indian Railways. Retrieved 15 September 2012.
  89. ↑ D Madhavan (8 October 2012). "Travellers help prevent fire on train at Guindy". The Times of India. Retrieved 15 October 2012.
  90. ↑ "Riding rough: Chennai's suburban trains". The Hindu. Chennai. 22 September 2009. Retrieved 15 August 2012.
  91. ↑ Velupillai, Krishna (25 January 2008). "Easier access sought to MRTS platforms". The Hindu. Chennai. Retrieved 15 August 2012.
  92. ↑ "Lack of safety measures turn incomplete MRTS stations into death trap". The Times of India. 1 February 2011. Retrieved 21 August 2012.
  93. ↑ "MRTS looks set to gain fresh momentum City Pulse". The Hindu. 11 September 2007. Retrieved 20 August 2012.
  94. ↑ Ram Babu Singh (2006). Sustainable urban development. New Delhi: Concept Pub. Co. pp. 129, 130. ISBN 9788180692956.
  95. ↑ Sreevatsan, Ajai (16 August 2011). "MRTS lessons worth learning". The Hindu. Chennai. Retrieved 15 August 2012.
  96. 1 2 3 Liffy Thomas and T.Madhavan (5 October 2013). "Train stations, a road too far". The Hindu, Chennai. Retrieved 14 October 2013.
  97. ↑ "Review of First Master Plan, Chapter 1" (PDF). CMDA. Retrieved 19 August 2012.
  98. ↑ G Ananthakrishnan (23 September 2013). "Not all together here". The Hindu, Chennai. Retrieved 14 October 2013.
  99. ↑ "Chennai Metro rail likely to take over MRTS - The Times of India". Timesofindia.indiatimes.com. Retrieved 2014-08-05.
  100. ↑ V Ayyappan (25 December 2009). "Badly maintained stations hamper optimum patronage". The Times of India. Retrieved 21 August 2012.
  101. ↑ R.Srikanth (11 February 2008). "The seamy side of MRTS railway stations". The Hindu. Retrieved 20 August 2012.
  102. ↑ "Under MRTS, watch out for danger from above". The Hindu. Chennai. 7 August 2010. Retrieved 15 August 2012.
  103. ↑ "Ventilation shaft crashes down at Thiruvanmiyur MRTS station". The Hindu. Chennai. 8 June 2011. Retrieved 15 August 2012.
  104. ↑ V Ayyappan (14 November 2008). "Rain leak leaves MRTS stations in mess". The Times of India. Retrieved 18 August 2012.
  105. ↑ Ayyappan, V. (11 November 2009). "MRTS stations in terrible state after rain". The Times of India. Chennai. Retrieved 15 August 2012.
  106. ↑ "Many concerns of MRTS commuters remain unaddressed". The Hindu. Chennai, India. 21 November 2009.
  107. ↑ Srikanth, R. (13 July 2009). "Commuters find most MRTS lifts not working". The Hindu. Chennai. Retrieved 15 August 2012.
  108. ↑ Sowmiya Ashok (14 July 2011). "How safe is drinking water at train terminals ?". The Hindu. Retrieved 21 August 2012.
  109. ↑ K.Karthikeyan (6 May 2012). "MRTS stations not on right track". Deccan Chronicle Chennai. Archived from the original on 13 May 2012. Retrieved 17 May 2012.
  110. ↑ Sarkar, Arita (4 June 2012). "It's a litany of woes for MRTS commuters". The Hindu. Chennai. Retrieved 15 August 2012.
  111. ↑ R.Srikanth (24 October 2010). "Unfinished work, bane of MRTS". The Hindu, Downtown. Retrieved 21 August 2012.
  112. ↑ "More commuter amenities proposed at MRTS stations". The Hindu. 15 February 2008. Retrieved 21 August 2012.
  113. ↑ Senthil Natarajan (17 March 2013). "Seniors turn cleaners, put railways to shame". Deccan Chronicle, Chennai. Archived from the original on 20 March 2013. Retrieved 19 April 2013.
  114. ↑ Ananthakrishnan, G. (16 July 2012). "Public places turn haven for muggers". The Hindu. Chennai. Retrieved 15 August 2012.
  115. ↑ "Mylapore MRTS unsafe for women". Deccan Chronicle. Chennai. 16 January 2013. Archived from the original on 13 April 2013. Retrieved 19 May 2013.
  116. ↑ Ayyappan, V. (22 June 2011). "Rlys declares MRTS safe, but staff remain wary". The Times of India. Chennai. Retrieved 15 August 2012.
  117. 1 2 Sivaramakrishnan, Arvind (9 December 2007). "Brutalism at work". The Hindu. Retrieved 27 July 2012.
  118. ↑ Gokul Vannan (18 May 2011). "Problems plague Triplicane residents". The New Indian Express. Retrieved 23 August 2012.
  119. ↑ "Murder in Mandaveli Rly. Station premises". Mylapore Times. 12 February 2011. Retrieved 26 May 2013.
  120. ↑ "எச்சில் துப்புவோம்... லைட்டை உடைப்போம்' :மேம்பால ரயில் நிலையங்களில் விஷமிகள் துள்ளல் ["We will spit... We will break the lights": Threaten MRTS anti-social elements]". Dinamalar (in Tamil). Chennai: Dinamalar. 30 July 2012. Retrieved 15 August 2012.
  121. ↑ "மேம்பால ரயில் நிலையங்களில் இரும்பு பொருட்கள் திருட்டு [Theft of Iron Property from MRTS Stations]". Dinamalar (in Tamil). Chennai: Dinamalar. 23 July 2012. Retrieved 15 August 2012.
  122. ↑ "Software engineer robbed at MRTS station". The Hindu. Chennai. 18 February 2011. Retrieved 15 August 2012.
  123. ↑ Narayanan, Vivek (3 July 2012). "MRTS dents city's safe reputation". The Hindu. Chennai. Retrieved 15 August 2012.
  124. ↑ "Cars gutted in MRTS station parking lot". The Hindu. 2 November 2011. Retrieved 21 August 2012.
  125. ↑ Ajai Sreevatsan and R.Srikanth (14 January 2011). "No parking contractor at Perungudi MRTS station". The Hindu. Retrieved 21 August 2012.
  126. ↑ "RPF cover for more MRTS stations". The Times of India. 12 October 2010. Retrieved 21 August 2012.
  127. ↑ Vivek Narayanan (5 January 2013). "MRTS stations to have 1 entry, exit". The Hindu. Retrieved 5 January 2013.
  128. ↑ Vannan, Gokul (5 May 2010). "Chain snatching scares commuters at Chepauk". The New Indian Express. Chennai: Express Publications. Retrieved 19 May 2013.
  129. ↑ "Chapter 3 : Protection of Passengers and their belongings including Strategy to Control Crime" (PDF). Security Management in Indian Railways. Indian Railways. Archived from the original (PDF) on 13 August 2012. Retrieved 25 August 2012.
  130. ↑ Vivek Narayanan (6 December 2012). "Railway cops shortage hits security at MRTS stations". The Hindu, Chennai. Thehindu.com.
  131. ↑ "Need to integrate MRTS with other public transport systems". Business Line. 25 February 2011. Retrieved 21 August 2012.
  132. ↑ "3-yr-old boy rescued from canal, struggling for life". The Times of India. 31 January 2011. Retrieved 18 September 2012.
  133. ↑ K. Manikandan (3 November 2002). "Inundation exposes lack of planning". The Hindu. Retrieved 18 September 2012.
  134. ↑ "MRTS to St. Thomas Mount by December, 2010". The Hindu. Chennai, India. 27 February 2008.
  135. ↑ "Velachery-St Thomas Mount MRTS link, boon for biz units". The Hindu. Chennai. 15 March 2012. Retrieved 9 December 2012.
  136. ↑ http://www.maalaimalar.com/asp/news/dis_news_article.asp?artid=307749%5Bdead+link%5D
  137. ↑ "Rly to speed up works in Velachery-St Thomas Mount MRTS". The Times of India. 26 November 2010. Retrieved 21 August 2012.
  138. ↑ "HC allows Railways to take over land for MRTS". The Hindu. 5 May 2018. Retrieved 19 August 2018.
  139. ↑ "Southern Railway – Budget Highlights-2012-13". Railway budget 2012, Taken from Southern Railways Website. Archived from the original on 15 January 2013. Retrieved 16 July 2012.
  140. ↑ R Vasundara (17 October 2012). "Velachery MRTS work to resume after 2 years, residents up in arms". The Times of India. Retrieved 17 October 2012.
  141. ↑ "Decks cleared for acquisition of land for Adambakkam station". The Hindu, Chennai. 10 April 2013. Retrieved 19 April 2013.
  142. ↑ C.S Kotteswaran and Ganesh (11 August 2013). "MRTS Chugging on Slow Track". Deccan Chronicle. Archived from the original on 11 August 2013. Retrieved 11 August 2013.
  143. ↑ MRTS hits a roadblock. By C Shivakumarn, 15 July 2013, The New Indian Express. http://epaper.newindianexpress.com/c/1340248 and http://newindianexpress.com/cities/chennai/MRTS-hits-a-road-block/2013/07/15/article1683523.ece
  144. ↑ C Shivakumar. "MRTS Phase II Extension Starts Next Month". Newindianexpress.com. Retrieved 2014-08-05.
  145. ↑ "MRTS line to Mt to take longer, miss metro date".
  146. ↑ "Officials Set Dec 2016 Deadline For MRTS Phase II".
  147. ↑ "HC quashes interim compensation for land acquisition made".
  148. ↑ "Last leg proves tricky for MRTS project".
  149. ↑ "The final leg of Mass Rapid Transit System for a distance of 500 metres is not likely to be completed in the near future".
  150. ↑ S.Vydhianathan (12 December 2008). "Targeted plan for Velachery-Mount MRTS". The Hindu. Retrieved 21 August 2012.
  151. ↑ E. Raja Simhan (16 March 2012). "Velachery-St Thomas Mount MRTS link, boon for biz units". Business Line. Retrieved 21 August 2012.
  152. ↑ "Budget gives a push to MRTS extension work". The Times of India. 1 March 2010. Retrieved 21 August 2012.
  153. ↑ "Three avatars of rail services under one house".
  154. ↑ "Final hurdle in creating Chennai railway hub cleared".
  155. ↑ "Towards a discussion of support to Urban Transport development in India, March 2005" (PDF). World Bank. Retrieved 25 October 2012.
  156. ↑ Sekar, S. P.; D. Karthigeyan (October–December 2009). "A Study on the Development Trends along the Proposed Chennai Metro Rail Corridor" (PDF). Institute of Town Planners, India Journal. 6 (4): 41–60. Retrieved 23 September 2012.
  157. 1 2 "State expresses inability to share cost of new railway projects". The Hindu. 6 December 2008. Retrieved 25 November 2012.
  158. ↑ "Nod sought for East Coast Chennai-Cuddalore link". The Hindu. Chennai. 23 February 2010. Retrieved 19 May 2013.
  159. ↑ "Expedite Chennai-Cuddalore east coast rail project: Forum - The Times of India". Timesofindia.indiatimes.com. 2014-06-08. Retrieved 2014-08-05.
  160. ↑ V Ayyappan (25 November 2012). "Chennai-Pondy coastal railway line may be built by private companies". The Times of India. Retrieved 25 November 2012.
  161. ↑ V Ayyappan (21 June 2008). "Blueprint for E Coast rail link to Cuddalore ready". The Times of India. Retrieved 27 November 2012.
  162. ↑ "Survey soon for Chennai-Pondy-Cuddalore railway line". The Times of India. 27 July 2010. Retrieved 25 November 2012.
  163. ↑ "Land acquisition begins for east coast rail project". The Hindu. 2013-10-30. Retrieved 2014-08-05.
  164. ↑ "Chennai Metro-MRTS merger report in six months". The Hindu. 29 May 2017. Retrieved 29 May 2017.
  165. ↑ Sekar, Sunitha (19 July 2018). "Metro-MRTS merger likely to be a costly affair". The Hindu. Retrieved 22 July 2018.
  166. ↑ "Google Maps for Android gives schedules for Delhi Metro, Chennai MRTS, Bangalore MTC and Kolkata Metro". BGR. 16 August 2012. Retrieved 18 August 2012.
  167. ↑ V Ayyappan (20 August 2012). "Smart move: Apps guide you in Chennai where signs fail". The Times of India. Retrieved 20 August 2012.
  168. ↑ Karthik Subramanian (19 August 2012). "Google simplifies public transit information". The Hindu. Retrieved 20 August 2012.
  169. ↑ Karthikeyan Hemalatha (20 August 2012). "Mass Rapid Transit System, Metro path map is now part of mobile app". The Times of India. Retrieved 21 August 2012.
  170. ↑ Yogesh Kabirdoss (20 February 2012). "Track MRTS trains through SMS". The New Indian Express. Retrieved 19 August 2012.

Further reading

  1. "Train to nowhere", Bishwanath Ghosh, The Sunday Diary – 14 October 2012; The Hindu, Chennai
  2. "MRTS network is a sitting duck", Greeshma Gopal Giri, 20 July 2009; The New Indian Express, Chennai
  3. " Thugs and goons have run of city MRTS stations", Greeshma Gopal Giri, 17 November 2009; The New Indian Express, Chennai
  4. " MRTS to get new lease of life", C.Shivakumar, 1 March 2012; The New Indian Express, Chennai
  5. "Residents protest MRTS alignment change", 3 October 2010; The New Indian Express, Chennai
  6. " MRTS is in bad shape: Study", C.Shivakumar, 15 October 2011; The New Indian Express, Chennai
  7. "Rly police ready to offer security cover to MRTS", Greeshma Gopal Giri, 14 July 2009; The New Indian Express, Chennai
  8. "MRTS services erratic", Yogesh Kabirdoss, 13 October 2011; The New Indian Express, Chennai
  9. "The pathetic state of the scary MRTS stations", Daniel Thimmayya, 11 October 2011; The New Indian Express, Chennai
  10. "State non-committal on MRTS", 27 Aug 2009; The New Indian Express, Chennai
  11. "Where danger lurks for lovers", Gokul Vannan, 16 June 2010; The New Indian Express, Chennai
  12. "Local Train Stations Too Far, Unsafe for Women", U Tejonmayan, 4 October 2011; The New Indian Express, Chennai.
  13. "Southern Railway blames state for MRTS delay", 1 July 2011; The New Indian Express, Chennai
  14. "Empty space and deserted floors characterise the city’s mrts stations. Toi takes a look at ways to fill them", 26 March 2012, The Times of India, Chennai
  15. "Locked parking lots and irked commuters", 17 December 2012; The Hindu, Chennai
  16. "On the fast track" – Description of journey in the last MRTS train service for the day, Aparna Karthikeyan, 18 December 2012; The Hindu, Chennai
  17. "Plans for ramps, skywalks at MRTS stns remain on paper" – Also discusses the poor safety conditions, lack of bus facility and other usual problems perennially associated with the MRTS. 28 December 2012; The Times of India, Chennai
  18. "Mapping areas where crimes against women are high" – MRTS stations predominantly feature in this list. Ekatha Ann John. 2 January; The Times of India, Chennai
  19. "MRTS phase II: land acquisition picks up pace", 13 January 2013; The Hindu, Chennai
  20. "MRTS to Adambakkam likely by mid-2012". 18 November 2011, Aloysius Xavier Lopez, The Hindu, Chennai
  21. "Link roads to connect MRTS stations soon", 18 January 2013, The Hindu, Chennai
  22. "Land acquisition for city’s key projects likely to see end soon". 1 March 2013, The Hindu, Chennai
  23. "MRTS stations suffer for want of maintenance", 12 March 2013, The Hindu, Chennai
  24. "Mushrooming slum has residents worried Huts Have Come Up Along Buckingham Canal On OMR" – The Times of India, June 2013, Chennai
  25. "Crap and garbage piling up like a mountain, toilet water taps on the blink – Pathetic State of Kotturpuram MRTS Station". 29 June 2013, Dinakaran (Tamil), Chennai
  26. "Reply from Chief Administrative Officer (Construction), Southern Railways – Status of MRTS project and why trains can't be currently operated only up to Adambakkam", 11 July 2013, The Times of India, Chennai
  27. "MRTS Stations are now dumping yards", 9 Aug 2002, The Hindu, Chennai
  28. "MRTS worker falls to death in Chennai", 17 July 2013, The Hindu, Tambaram (Chennai)
  29. "HC declines to shift MRTS station", 22 Aug 2010, The Times of India, Chennai
  30. "MRTS stations, already in poor shape, turn wet and dirty after the monsoon", 11 Nov 2009. The Times of India, Chennai
  31. "Velachery-Taramani Rd to come up along MRTS", 11 July 2008, The Times of India, Chennai
  32. "Acquiring land is key to completion of works by 2013", 16 Mar 2011, The Times of India, Chennai
  33. "Clogged roads help MRTS traffic double", 13 Nov 2008, The Times of India, Chennai
  34. "Half-done MRTS stns are a death trap", The Times of India, Chennai
  35. "Tracking MRTS -As a commuter and a critic, Liffy Thomas brings balance to analysis of the MRTS line", Downtown, The Hindu, 12 August 2013, Chennai
  36. "Park near Kotturpuram MRTS soon", The New Indian Express, 13 August 2013, Chennai
  37. "Increasing patronage but miles to go", Liffy Thomas, 7 Sep 2013, The Hindu, Chennai
  38. "It’s a name game" – The inauguration of the 18th station "Mundagakanniamman Koil" on the Beach-Velachery MRTS line is delayed due to a raging debate over its name. T.S. Atul Swaminathan, Downtown, The Hindu, 7 Sep 2013.
  39. "Toilets a blot on MRTS", Downtown, The Hindu, Chennai, 26 October 2013.
  40. "Chain snatched at MRTS station", The Hindu, Chennai, 1 November 2013
  41. "Southern Railway planning to hand over last stage of MRTS project to CMRL", Deccan Chronicle, Chennai, 7 November 2013
  42. "Women don’t feel safe at some MRTS stations", The Hindu, Chennai, 12 November 2013
  43. "EMU shed lies unused in Velachery", The Hindu, Chennai, 12 November 2013
  44. "MRTS parking lots rented out illegally", The Times of India, Chennai, 11 December 2013
  45. "Announcements on Chennai MRTS trains a hit", The Hindu, Chennai, 9 December 2013
  46. "Ups and downs of Chennai's MRTS escalators", The Hindu, Chennai, 13 December 2013
  47. "3.4-km-long road to connect MRTS stations in Chennai", The Hindu, Chennai, 15 December 2013
  48. "Defunct lift at Chennai MRTS station proves a nightmare for ill commuter", The Hindu, Chennai, 17 December 2013
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