Inauguration of Velachery to St. Thomas Mount MRTS extension project to be delayed further

Inauguration of the Velachery to St. Thomas Mount MRTS extension project faces indefinite delays due to required modifications.

The planned inauguration of the Mass Rapid Transit System (MRTS) extension project is set to be indefinitely postponed as the Chief Commissioner of Railway Safety (CCRS) has asked for modifications to be carried out in the newly constructed railway stations. 

CCRS Janak Kumar Garg had conducted the statutory inspection of the MRTS extension project from Velachery to St. Thomas Mount railway station on March 5. Mr. Garg, during the inspection, also did a speed trial and inspected the three newly constructed railway stations including Puzhuthivakkam, Adambakkam, and St. Thomas Mount. 

A senior official of Southern Railway said that they were hopeful of receiving the safety certificate from the CCRS on March 9 and inaugurating the project at least before March 15. However, the CCRS has called for modifications in the railway stations, which could take time. 

Janak Kumar Garg, Chief Commissioner of Railway Safety (CCRS), inspecting the MRTS phase-2 extension between Velachery and St. Thomas Mount on March 5, 2026 | Photo Credit: B. Velankanni Raj

The project, already delayed by over 18 years, would be a big relief for thousands of residents of Madipakkam, Ullagaram - Puzhuthivakkam, West Velachery, Adambakkam, and Nanganallur. The operation of the extension project would have also eased the hardships faced by commuters due to the redevelopment work under way at the Egmore railway station. Suburban train services from Beach to Tambaram and Chengalpattu have been reduced due to the redevelopment works.

While the residents are eagerly waiting for the extension project to be inaugurated, they want the present operation of train services from Velachery to Beach maintained.