Chennai Metro Rail seeks funds from Tamil Nadu govt. for MRTS maintenance for two years after takeover

Image used for representational purposes. File | Photo Credit: B. Velankanni Raj Chennai Metro Rail has sought nearly ₹150 crore from the Tamil Nadu government to maintain MRTS stations during the two-year transition period following its takeover from Southern Railway. This phase begins immediately after the Tamil Nadu government and Southern Railway sign the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).The Railway Board first gave the nod for Chennai Metro Rail taking over the MRTS system two years ago and then approved the MoU, initiating the process in August this year. Now, discussions are under way between the State government and Southern Railway to come to a consensus on the financial compensation. If the MoU is signed by December this year as planned, then Chennai Metro Rail would have to begin the work to improve the upkeep of the stations.Sources said that this fund will be used for hiring security personnel, a housekeeping agency, ticket operations, and for the repair of lifts and escalators in all stations. It is learnt that the State government is looking to process this fund for Chennai Metro Rail when the transition period begins, sources added.Chennai Metro Rail will earmark a certain area in each station that has the highest passenger footfall and concentrate on first upgrading that space, deploying security and housekeeping staff, as MRTS stations are massive in size. “Once we take over, we want to ensure there is adequate lighting and security at all strategic points first, and also make sure that all the lifts and escalators are working in all stations,” a source said. These issues have time and again been raised by regular commuters of the MRTS system for many years now.Sources said that this takeover process may take longer than expected since the MoU itself has not been signed yet. Chennai Metro Rail may need at least 3-5 months to float bids and bring these agencies on board. This ₹150 crore aside, Chennai Metro Rail has already written to the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs to execute the ‘MRTS Rejuvenation’ project as a ‘Central Sector’ one, and its estimated cost is ₹6,600 crore. This rejuvenation project will focus on modernising the MRTS trains and its system to Chennai Metro Rail’s standards. Published - November 11, 2026 05:28 pm IST