Chennai MRTS Velachery–St Thomas Mount Line Opening On March 10? Who Benefits From The New Direct Beach Route

Commuters travelling between Chennai Beach and St Thomas Mount will soon be able to use a direct MRTS train service, as the long-pending Velachery-St Thomas Mount MRTS extension is scheduled to be inaugurated on March 10, 2026. The new 4.5-5 km elevated rail link, developed at a cost of ₹734 crore, is expected to improve connectivity by integrating MRTS services with Chennai Metro and the suburban railway network at St Thomas Mount.

The extension includes new stations at Adambakkam and Puzhuthivakkam, connecting the existing Chennai Beach-Velachery corridor with key rail-based transit systems. Once operational, the project will enable passengers to travel between Chennai Beach and St Thomas Mount without changing trains, improving access across north-south and east-west travel routes in the city.

Railway officials said the line is currently awaiting final inspection and safety certification from the Commissioner of Railway Safety (CRS). The inspection will cover track alignment, oscillation performance, signalling systems, electrification infrastructure including overhead equipment, and platform safety measures such as lighting, signage and emergency exits.

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The MRTS extension was originally announced around 2007-2008 to strengthen network connectivity between MRTS, Metro Rail and suburban train services. However, progress was affected by land acquisition challenges and later delayed due to coordination issues when Metro Rail Phase II structures were constructed above portions of the MRTS alignment.

By late 2025, most of the technical work, including overhead electrification, load testing and finishing tasks, had been completed along the elevated corridor. Railway authorities have also conducted multiple trial runs using diesel-powered freight trains on the new stretch in recent weeks.

With CRS clearance pending, officials expect the Velachery-St Thomas Mount MRTS extension to become operational following its inauguration on March 10, offering a direct rail connection that commuters in Chennai have awaited for nearly two decades.

Credit: Oneindia