The long-awaited handover of Chennai’s Mass Rapid Transit System (MRTS) to Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) is edging closer to reality, with final approvals expected soon from top railway authorities.
According to sources familiar with the matter, the Railway Board has completed departmental reviews, and the proposal now awaits clearance from the Board Chairman and the Union Minister of Railways. This marks one of the last administrative hurdles before the official transfer of operations can proceed.

The proposal gained renewed traction following a direct request made by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin to Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a NITI Aayog meeting in May. In response, the Prime Minister’s Office urged the Railway Board to accelerate the review process.

If approved, CMRL is expected to begin preparing a comprehensive transition plan. This would cover the operational takeover of MRTS stations, trains, signalling systems, and other infrastructure. The transition will likely be executed in phases over the coming months to ensure minimal disruption to daily commuters.

Public transport advocates and daily riders have expressed cautious optimism, hoping CMRL’s involvement will lead to better-maintained stations, improved safety measures, and modernised facilities. However, there is growing concern about maintaining the system’s affordability, especially since the MRTS serves a large number of low-income commuters.

CMRL already operates Chennai’s expanding metro network and is known for its higher service standards and efficiency. The integration of MRTS under its purview is seen as a critical step toward creating a unified and reliable urban rail system for the city.

Final decisions are expected shortly, potentially paving the way for a significant transformation in Chennai’s suburban transport landscape.