After years of delays and construction challenges, the long-awaited railway link between Velachery and St Thomas Mount on Chennai’s Mass Rapid Transit System (MRTS) has opened to passengers, significantly improving rail connectivity in the southern parts of the city. The new corridor is expected to ease daily commuting for thousands of residents and strengthen integration with other transport networks.
The extension, stretching about 4.5–5 kilometres, connects Velachery directly with St Thomas Mount and includes new stations such as Adambakkam and Puzhuthivakkam along the route. The project, which cost roughly ₹734 crore, had faced repeated delays since construction began in 2008 due to land acquisition issues, legal disputes, and coordination challenges with other infrastructure projects.
Officials said the opening of the corridor will allow MRTS trains operating from Chennai Beach to Velachery to extend their services up to St Thomas Mount, creating a seamless rail link across the city. This connection is particularly important because St Thomas Mount serves as a major transport hub where commuters can interchange between suburban rail, MRTS, and the Chennai Metro.
Before opening the line to the public, railway authorities conducted a series of safety inspections, electrical checks, and high-speed trial runs to ensure operational readiness and passenger safety. The Commissioner of Railway Safety reviewed track conditions, signalling systems, electrification infrastructure, and other operational aspects before granting final approval.
Transport experts believe the new link will improve last-mile connectivity in south Chennai and reduce travel time for commuters traveling between residential suburbs and major employment zones. Authorities expect the line to encourage greater use of public transport and ease road congestion in the city’s rapidly growing southern corridor.News as Reported.
