Chennai Mass Rapid Transit System: Difference between revisions
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==History== |
==History== |
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===Planning=== |
===Planning=== |
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The well-established [[Chennai Suburban Railway]] network, which dates back to 1931, began services on the [[Metre gauge railway|metre gauge]] line from [[Chennai Beach|Beach]] to [[Tambaram]]. Two more suburban networks, [[Chennai Central]]–[[Arakkonam]] and Chennai Central–[[Gummidipoondi]] began operations in 1985. In 1965, the Planning Commission set up a study team on metropolitan transport to assess the adequacy and limitation of existing transport facilities in the cities of Calcutta, Bombay, Madras and Delhi to determine the feasibility of different modes of transport and recommend phased programmes for development of transport facilities.<ref name="CAG_NIC_ReportNo5">{{cite web|title=Report No.5 of 2006 (Railways)|url=http://cag.nic.in/html/reports/railways/2006_5/chap_3.pdf|work=cag.nic.in}}</ref> In a means to supplement the existing suburban rail network in Chennai, a number of surveys were conducted in the 1960s including the surveys by the Madras Area Transportation Study Unit (MATSU), which was set up by the Planning Commission during 1968–1970 and the Metropolitan Transport Project (MTP), which was established by [[Indian Railways]] in July 1971.<ref name="wrong track">{{cite news|last=S. Vydhianathan|title=On the wrong track?|url=http://www.hindu.com/2003/09/28/stories/2003092800171400.htm|accessdate=29 July 2012|newspaper=The Hindu|date=28 September 2003}}</ref> The surveys and studies identified eight important transport corridors, including the 39-km north–southeastern rail corridor along the [[Buckingham Canal]].<ref name="NotOnFastTrack">{{cite news | last = Raja Simhan | first = T. E. | title = Chennai's MRTS: Not on fast track, yet | newspaper = Business Line | location = Chennai | date = 29 May 2000 | url = http://www.hindu.com/businessline/2000/05/29/stories/092971rs.htm | accessdate = 15 August 2012}}</ref> These were soon followed by a feasibility study conducted by RITES, an engineering and infrastructure enterprise of the [[Government of India]], on behalf of the state government. The study results were submitted in 1975, suggesting a rail-based mass transit system between Kasturba Nagar and Manali Road. |
The well-established [[Chennai Suburban Railway]] network, which dates back to 1931, began services on the [[Metre gauge railway|metre gauge]] line from [[Chennai Beach|Beach]] to [[Tambaram]]. Two more suburban networks, [[Chennai Central]]–[[Arakkonam]] and Chennai Central–[[Gummidipoondi]] began operations in 1985. In 1965, the Planning Commission set up a study team on metropolitan transport to assess the adequacy and limitation of existing transport facilities in the cities of Calcutta, Bombay, Madras and Delhi to determine the feasibility of different modes of transport and recommend phased programmes for development of transport facilities.<ref name="CAG_NIC_ReportNo5">{{cite web|title=Report No.5 of 2006 (Railways) |url=http://cag.nic.in/html/reports/railways/2006_5/chap_3.pdf |work=cag.nic.in |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140201185638/http://cag.nic.in/html/reports/railways/2006_5/chap_3.pdf |archivedate= 1 February 2014 |df= }}</ref> In a means to supplement the existing suburban rail network in Chennai, a number of surveys were conducted in the 1960s including the surveys by the Madras Area Transportation Study Unit (MATSU), which was set up by the Planning Commission during 1968–1970 and the Metropolitan Transport Project (MTP), which was established by [[Indian Railways]] in July 1971.<ref name="wrong track">{{cite news|last=S. Vydhianathan|title=On the wrong track?|url=http://www.hindu.com/2003/09/28/stories/2003092800171400.htm|accessdate=29 July 2012|newspaper=The Hindu|date=28 September 2003}}</ref> The surveys and studies identified eight important transport corridors, including the 39-km north–southeastern rail corridor along the [[Buckingham Canal]].<ref name="NotOnFastTrack">{{cite news | last = Raja Simhan | first = T. E. | title = Chennai's MRTS: Not on fast track, yet | newspaper = Business Line | location = Chennai | date = 29 May 2000 | url = http://www.hindu.com/businessline/2000/05/29/stories/092971rs.htm | accessdate = 15 August 2012}}</ref> These were soon followed by a feasibility study conducted by RITES, an engineering and infrastructure enterprise of the [[Government of India]], on behalf of the state government. The study results were submitted in 1975, suggesting a rail-based mass transit system between Kasturba Nagar and Manali Road. |
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The system was envisaged as a {{convert|59.38|km|mi|abbr=on}} loop line passing through Chennai Beach and [[Tiruvottiyur]].<ref name="MetroRailMayTakeOver">{{cite news |
The system was envisaged as a {{convert|59.38|km|mi|abbr=on}} loop line passing through Chennai Beach and [[Tiruvottiyur]].<ref name="MetroRailMayTakeOver">{{cite news |
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Despite the delays, the extension from Velachery to St. Thomas Mount is currently underway. Track laying is progressing on the first {{convert|2|km|mi|0|abbr=on}} stretch from Velachery. Of the remaining 1.5 km, the last {{convert|0.5|km|mi|0|abbr=on}} from St. Thomas Mount is being constructed simultaneously with [[Chennai Metro]]. Litigation had previously prevented the work from being carried out in the last portion of track laying and the work had been stalled for nearly two years. However, a court ruling was passed in favour of the Chennai MRTS. |
Despite the delays, the extension from Velachery to St. Thomas Mount is currently underway. Track laying is progressing on the first {{convert|2|km|mi|0|abbr=on}} stretch from Velachery. Of the remaining 1.5 km, the last {{convert|0.5|km|mi|0|abbr=on}} from St. Thomas Mount is being constructed simultaneously with [[Chennai Metro]]. Litigation had previously prevented the work from being carried out in the last portion of track laying and the work had been stalled for nearly two years. However, a court ruling was passed in favour of the Chennai MRTS. |
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* '''July-2011''' Construction of the stations begins. |
* '''July-2011''' Construction of the stations begins. |
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* '''July-2012''' According to the Railway Budget 2012, the section would be commissioned by December 2013.<ref>{{cite web|title=Southern Railway – Budget Highlights-2012-13 |url=http://www.sr.indianrailways.gov.in/view_section.jsp?lang=0&id=0,6,746 |work=Railway budget 2012, Taken from Southern Railways Website |accessdate=16 July 2012 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130115192249/http://www.sr.indianrailways.gov.in/view_section.jsp?lang=0&id=0 |
* '''July-2012''' According to the Railway Budget 2012, the section would be commissioned by December 2013.<ref>{{cite web|title=Southern Railway – Budget Highlights-2012-13 |url=http://www.sr.indianrailways.gov.in/view_section.jsp?lang=0&id=0,6,746 |work=Railway budget 2012, Taken from Southern Railways Website |accessdate=16 July 2012 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130115192249/http://www.sr.indianrailways.gov.in/view_section.jsp?lang=0&id=0%2C6%2C746 |archivedate=15 January 2013 |df=dmy }}</ref> |
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* '''October-2012''' Land acquisition by [[Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority|CMDA]] has resumed after the Madras High court vacated a stay and construction work is expected to resume once the acquired land is transferred to the Railways. Land acquisition on the 5-km stretch resumed to be completed in 45 days.<ref name="Hindu_UptoMountBackOnTrack">{{cite news |
* '''October-2012''' Land acquisition by [[Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority|CMDA]] has resumed after the Madras High court vacated a stay and construction work is expected to resume once the acquired land is transferred to the Railways. Land acquisition on the 5-km stretch resumed to be completed in 45 days.<ref name="Hindu_UptoMountBackOnTrack">{{cite news |
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| title = MRTS upto St. Thomas Mount back on track |
| title = MRTS upto St. Thomas Mount back on track |
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# [http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/chen-downtown/toilets-a-blot-on-mrts/article5275194.ece "Toilets a blot on MRTS"], Downtown, ''The Hindu'', Chennai, 26 October 2013. |
# [http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/chen-downtown/toilets-a-blot-on-mrts/article5275194.ece "Toilets a blot on MRTS"], Downtown, ''The Hindu'', Chennai, 26 October 2013. |
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# [http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-tamilnadu/chain-snatched-at-mrts-station/article5303225.ece "Chain snatched at MRTS station"], ''The Hindu'', Chennai, 1 November 2013 |
# [http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-tamilnadu/chain-snatched-at-mrts-station/article5303225.ece "Chain snatched at MRTS station"], ''The Hindu'', Chennai, 1 November 2013 |
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# "[https://web.archive.org/web/20131110032115/http://www.deccanchronicle.com |
# "[https://web.archive.org/web/20131110032115/http://www.deccanchronicle.com/131107/news-current-affairs/article/southern-railway-planning-hand-over-last-stage-mrts-project-cmrl Southern Railway planning to hand over last stage of MRTS project to CMRL"], [http://www.dc-epaper.com/PUBLICATIONS/DC/DCC/2013/11/07/ArticleHtmls/SOUTHERN-RAILWAY-PLANNING-TO-HAND-OVER-LAST-STAGE-07112013004041.shtml?Mode=1]{{dead link|date=November 2016 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} Deccan Chronicle, Chennai, 7 November 2013 |
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# [http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/women-dont-feel-safe-at-some-mrts-stations/article5340222.ece "Women don’t feel safe at some MRTS stations"], ''The Hindu'', Chennai, 12 November 2013 |
# [http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/women-dont-feel-safe-at-some-mrts-stations/article5340222.ece "Women don’t feel safe at some MRTS stations"], ''The Hindu'', Chennai, 12 November 2013 |
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# [http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/emu-shed-lies-unused-in-velachery/article5340220.ece "EMU shed lies unused in Velachery"], ''The Hindu'', Chennai, 12 November 2013 |
# [http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/emu-shed-lies-unused-in-velachery/article5340220.ece "EMU shed lies unused in Velachery"], ''The Hindu'', Chennai, 12 November 2013 |
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==External links== |
==External links== |
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{{commons category|Chennai MRTS}} |
{{commons category|Chennai MRTS}} |
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* [https://web.archive.org/web/20110411173229/http://www.sr.indianrailways.gov.in |
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20110411173229/http://www.sr.indianrailways.gov.in/view_section.jsp?lang=0&id=0%2C2%2C325 Official Timetable of MRTS, Chennai] |
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* [http://chennaitransit.org/rail/beach-velachery MRTS Chennai Route] |
* [http://chennaitransit.org/rail/beach-velachery MRTS Chennai Route] |
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{{Navboxes |
{{Navboxes |
Revision as of 04:54, 4 May 2017
Chennai Mass Rapid Transit System | |||
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Velacherry MRTS Station | |||
Overview | |||
Native name | சென்னை பெருந்திரள் விரைவுப் போக்குவரத்து அமைப்பு | ||
Owner | Southern Railway | ||
Locale | Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India | ||
Transit type | Rapid transit | ||
Number of lines | 1 (Phase I & II) | ||
Number of stations | 17 (21 upon completion) | ||
Daily ridership | 100,000.[1] | ||
Website | www | ||
Operation | |||
Began operation | 1 November 1995 | ||
Operator(s) | Southern Railway | ||
Train length | 6 & 9 coaches | ||
Technical | |||
System length | 19.34 km (12 mi) | ||
Track gauge | Broad gauge | ||
Electrification | 25 kV, 50 Hz AC through overhead catenary | ||
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The Chennai Mass Rapid Transit System, a state-owned subsidiary of Indian Railways, is a metropolitan elevated railway line operated by Southern Railways. It is the first elevated railway line in India.[2] Although it is segregated from the Chennai Suburban Railway, they both are operated by Southern Railway and are integrated in a wider urban rail network. Built at a cost of ₹ 11,710 million,[3] the line runs within the city limits from Chennai Beach to Velachery, covering a distance of 19.34 km (12.02 mi) with 17 stations, with an average daily ridership of 100,000[1] commuters a day. Connecting the central business area of old Madras with the IT corridor, the section has a potential capacity of 425,000 passengers a day.[4] In 2011–2012, MRTS registered a revenue of ₹ 198.9 million, registering a 16.25 percent increase, with 134 trains plying across all the 17 stations.[5]
The MRTS is proposed to be taken over by the Chennai Metro Rail Limited thereby bringing all the elevated tracks and underground tracks inside the city under one organisation.[6][7] Upon completion of the takeover, all current MRTS trains would become air conditioned and consequently, the fares would be raised to match that of the Chennai Metro. The takeover is expected to be completed by the year 2021.[8]
History
Planning
The well-established Chennai Suburban Railway network, which dates back to 1931, began services on the metre gauge line from Beach to Tambaram. Two more suburban networks, Chennai Central–Arakkonam and Chennai Central–Gummidipoondi began operations in 1985. In 1965, the Planning Commission set up a study team on metropolitan transport to assess the adequacy and limitation of existing transport facilities in the cities of Calcutta, Bombay, Madras and Delhi to determine the feasibility of different modes of transport and recommend phased programmes for development of transport facilities.[9] In a means to supplement the existing suburban rail network in Chennai, a number of surveys were conducted in the 1960s including the surveys by the Madras Area Transportation Study Unit (MATSU), which was set up by the Planning Commission during 1968–1970 and the Metropolitan Transport Project (MTP), which was established by Indian Railways in July 1971.[10] The surveys and studies identified eight important transport corridors, including the 39-km north–southeastern rail corridor along the Buckingham Canal.[11] These were soon followed by a feasibility study conducted by RITES, an engineering and infrastructure enterprise of the Government of India, on behalf of the state government. The study results were submitted in 1975, suggesting a rail-based mass transit system between Kasturba Nagar and Manali Road.
The system was envisaged as a 59.38 km (36.90 mi) loop line passing through Chennai Beach and Tiruvottiyur.[12] In the 1980s, the government began planning for a new railway line inside the city. The suburban lines offered no connectivity to Central and South Madras (as the city was known then). Planning began in 1984.[13]
Since the rail line passes through congested parts of the city, an elevated rail system with an alignment along the Buckingham Canal was selected, as it would avoid land-acquisition problems.[3] The MTP intended to implement the project in four phases:
- First phase: From Beach to Tirumailai (Mylapore)
- Second phase: From Tirumailai to St. Thomas Mount
- Third phase: From St. Thomas Mount to Villivakkam
- Fourth phase: From Villivakkam to Ennore
However, the current line is slated to not extend past St. Thomas Mount, as the Chennai Metro project is slated to use a similar alignment.[12][14][15]
Construction and opening
Although the present system was planned in the 1970s and the 1980s and the project was taken up for implementation by the Government of India, Ministry of Railways in 1983–84 at an estimated cost of ₹ 534.6 million,[15] it took nearly a decade for the first phase to construct and begin operation. Construction began in earnest in 1991. After many delays, the first phase was operational from Beach up to Chepauk in 1995 as the first elevated railway line in the country,[16] and it was extended to Thirumyilai station in Mylapore in 1997.[10][17] When the first phase between Chennai Beach and Thirumyilai opened in 1997, the project cost ₹ 2,690 million, compared to the initial estimate of ₹ 550 million in 1984.[11] The patronage of the first phase turned out to be way lesser than the over-reckoned value of 603,000 passengers per day.[18] In 1998, the Railway Board accorded sanction of executing Phase II of the project from Thirumayilai to Velachery.
The second phase of the project was taken up on the basis of the study conducted by RITES during 1987 and 1994 and taking into account population growth and the capacity of public transport system.[9] The MRTS services were extended from Thirumaylai to Thiruvanmiyur on 27 June 2004, as part of its second phase.[19][20][21][22][23][24] On 19 November 2007, the network was further extended from Thiruvanmiyur to Velachery[25] at a cost of ₹ 7,690 million.[22][25][26][27] The extended second phase of the project, connecting Velachery with St. Thomas Mount, is currently underway. However, changes to its original alignment have drawn fierce opposition from residents, some of whom have been asked to relocate.[28][29][30][31][32]
The progress of different phases of the line is summarised in the following table:
Phase | Length | Route | Stations | Opening Date | Completion Cost | Alignment Details[33] |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Phase I | 8.55 km (5.31 mi) | Chennai Beach—Thirumayilai | 8 | 19 October 1997 | ₹ 2,690 million | The alignment from Chennai Beach to Park Town is along the existing broad-gauge suburban system (2.75 km (1.71 mi), surface); alignment from Park Town to Thirumayilai is along the Buckingham canal (6.21 km (3.86 mi), elevated). Chennai Beach—Chepauk stretch was opened on 16 November 1995. |
Phase II-A | 11.376 km (7.069 mi) | Thirumayilai—Velachery | 9 | 19 November 2007 | ₹ 7,690 million | Alignment is along the Buckingham canal from Thirumayilai to Thiruvanmiyur beyond which it deviates towards west, away from the canal—9.614 km (5.974 mi) elevated and 1.762 km (1.095 mi) surface line. Single lane services between Thirumayilai and Thiruvanmiyur were available from 27 January 2004. |
Phase II-B (Phase II Extension) | 5 km (3.1 mi) | Velachery—St. Thomas Mount | 3 | March 2018[34] | N/A | Fully elevated. The proposed alignment of the initial 3.585 km (2.228 mi) from Velachery is chiefly along the Inner Ring Road (IRR). The remaining distance of about 1.5 km (1 mi) is proposed to cut the private built-up areas to reach St. Thomas Mount. |
Phase III | 16.76 km (10.41 mi) | St. Thomas Mount—Villivakkam | 10 | N/A | N/A | The alignment from St. Thomas Mount to Villivakkam has been cancelled, as the Chennai Metro is intended to follow a similar alignment.[14][15][33] |
Phase IV | 50 km (31 mi) | Perungudi—Kalpakkam | 20 | N/A | N/A | This will extend MRTS from Perungudi to Kalpakkam via Sholinganallur, Navalur, Kelambakkam and Mahabalipuram. In Kalpakkam, the line will join the proposed Chengalpattu—Kalpakkam—Pondicherry—Cuddalore line. |
Funding pattern
Phase I from Beach to Tirumailai was fully funded by the Southern Railways, and the state government gave the required land free of cost. Phase II between Tirumailai and Velachery was implemented with the state government bearing two-thirds of the project cost. For the extension of Phase II to St. Thomas Mount, the ratio remains the same as Phase II.[35]
Infrastructure
Route description
The Chennai MRTS route is largely elevated, with at-grade sections at its terminals. From Beach to Chennai Park Town station, the line runs at grade, parallel to the suburban railway network. Following Chennai Park Town station, the line's first phase becomes elevated and follows the course of the Buckingham Canal, which runs parallel to the Coromandel Coast. The line remains elevated for the alignment of the second phase up to Perungudi, after which it returns to an at-grade section at Velachery. The 19 km (12 mi) line from Chennai Beach to Velachery is 15 km (9 mi) elevated and 4 km (2 mi) at surface.[33] The ongoing 5 km (3 mi) extension of the line from Velachery to St. Thomas Mount is also elevated.
- Minor change in the alignment
In 2001, the Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority (CMDA) proposed a realignment of the MRTS route to St. Thomas Mount and combined it with the Inner Ring Road because it faced difficulties with land acquisition. The Government of Tamil Nadu accepted it in 2006, and an order confirming the changes was passed. About 186 hectares of land that were frozen from development till then were released. However, the alignment was changed further as the Department of Highways deviated from the approved alignment of the Inner Ring Road without consulting the CMDA or the Metropolitan Transport Project (MTP–Railways). These resulted in a deviation of the MRTS alignment in the order of 15 m (49 ft).[31]
Stations
Snaking through the central region of Chennai, the alignment covers several significant landmarks of the city and currently has 17 stations. The Chennai Beach Junction is a hub terminal for several suburban trains, and, along with Chennai Fort station, it serves the commercial locations of Broadway and Parry's Corner. Chennai Park Town station is located opposite Chennai Central, which is a hub for both long-distance express trains and suburban trains. Places of tourist interests such as Parthasarathy Temple and Kapaleeshwarar Temple are located close to Thiruvallikeni and Thirumayilai MRTS stations, respectively. Marina Beach spans along the stretch of the Thiruvallikeni and Light House stations, in addition to the Chepauk station, which lies abutting the Chepauk Stadium. The MRTS also passes through those areas of Chennai where the information technology (IT) industry is located—while the Kasturba Nagar, Thiruvanmiyur and Indira Nagar stations are located on the IT corridor, the neighbourhoods of Perungudi, Taramani and Velachery also have IT establishments. The St. Thomas Mount station at the southern end of the alignment, upon completion, will have three different types of railway networks, namely, the suburban and long-distance express trains plying on the conventional tracks at grade level, the MRTS elevated station at level 1 and the Chennai Metro Rail at level 2. The station would be having an area of about 48,000 m2 (516,668 sq ft) and would be designed to integrate five different modes of transport including MTC buses.[36][37][38]
Each station is designed by a different architect and is built to accommodate a 9-car train.[39] Most stations also feature two-side platforms.
# | Station name[40] | Estimated distance from Chennai Beach in km[33] | Opening | Connections | Layout | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
English | Tamil | |||||
1 | Chennai Beach | சென்னை கடற்கரை | 0 | 1 November 1995 | Chennai Suburban – South Line Chennai Suburban North Line Chennai Suburban West Line |
At Grade |
2 | Chennai Fort | சென்னை கோட்டை | 1.70 | 1 November 1995 | Chennai Suburban – South Line | At Grade |
3 | Chennai Park Town | சென்னை பூங்கா நகர் | 2.54 | 1 November 1995 | Chennai Suburban – South Line Chennai Central Chennai Suburban West Line Chennai Suburban North Line Chennai Metro Line 1 Chennai Metro Line 2 |
At Grade |
4 | Chintadripet | சிந்தாதிரிப்பேட்டை | 3.43 | 1 November 1995 | Elevated | |
5 | Chepauk | சேப்பாக்கம் | 5 | 1 November 1995 | Elevated | |
6 | Thiruvallikeni | திருவல்லிக்கேணி | 5.74 | 19 October 1997 | Elevated | |
7 | Light House | கலங்கரை விளக்கம் | 6.95 | 19 October 1997 | Elevated | |
8 | Mundagakanniamman Koil | முண்டகக்கண்ணியம்மன் கோவில் | 7.925 | 14 May 2014 | Elevated | |
9 | Thirumayilai | திருமயிலை | 8.66 | 19 October 1997 | Elevated | |
10 | Mandaveli | மந்தைவெளி | 9.699 | 26 January 2004 | Elevated | |
11 | Greenways Road | பசுமைவழிச் சாலை | 11.02 | 26 January 2004 | Elevated | |
12 | Kotturpuram | கோட்டூர்புரம் | 11.892 | 26 January 2004 | Elevated | |
13 | Kasturba Nagar | கஸ்தூரிபாய் நகர் | 12.824 | 26 January 2004 | Elevated | |
14 | Indira Nagar | இந்திரா நகர் | 13.796 | 26 January 2004 | Elevated | |
15 | Thiruvanmiyur | திருவான்மியூர் | 14.655 | 26 January 2004 | Elevated | |
16 | Taramani | தரமணி | 16.57 | 19 November 2007 | Elevated | |
17 | Perungudi | பெருங்குடி | 17.713 | 19 November 2007 | Elevated | |
18 | Velachery | வேளச்சேரி | 19.34 | 19 November 2007 | At Grade | |
* | Puzhuthivakkam | புழுதிவாக்கம் | 21.190 | Under Construction | Elevated | |
* | Adambakkam | ஆதம்பாக்கம் | 22.190 | Under Construction | Elevated | |
* | St. Thomas Mount | பரங்கிமலை | 24.235 | Under Construction | Chennai Suburban – South Line Chennai Metro Line 2 |
Elevated |
Design
In many aspects, the Chennai MRTS bears greater resemblance to the Chennai Suburban Railway as opposed to a true rapid transit line. MRTS uses the same gauge as the suburban system, thus allowing the movements of passengers between the existing suburban lines and the MRTS.[41] Owing to this reason, the trains run on the MRTS are 'normal' EMUs and do not have automatic doors like a metro train. Ballastless track is used between Tirumailai and Velachery[42] The elevated tracks are built at an average height of about 14 metres from the ground.[43]
Plans for using the empty space at MRTS stations
There are various plans to use the empty space in the MRTS stations.[44]
- Food stalls at MRTS stations
In Feb 2009, IRCTC envisaged to set up food stalls at 12 MRTS stations.[45] But the food stalls have not materialised hitherto.[46]
In Sep 2013, the IRCTC decideed to initially set up food stalls at three 3 key MRTS stations Tirumailai (Mylapore), Thiruvanmiyur and Velachery. The proposed plazas will have multiple shops and serve multi-cuisine food. The facility will be similar to the setup at Chennai Central railway station.[47][48]
- Amma canteens proposed at MRTS stations
In October 2013, there are plans to open Amma Unavagams (Mother Canteens), the subsidised canteens run by the Tamil Nadu government, in the huge empty space of MRTS stations.[44]
Commercial exploitation of the space in MRTS stations is not a new idea. However, over the years, many projects have failed to take off. Some years ago, CMDA had proposed the exploitation of space in nine stations across 11.16 km of the second phase of MRTS.
Operations
Hours of operation and frequencies
The route length between Chennai Beach and Velachery is 19.34 km (12.02 mi),[33][40] with an average speed of 29 km/h (18 mph), with the current journey time has been 45 minutes.[49][50]
The first train departs from Chennai Beach at 4:15 am, and the last one departs at 9:35 pm. From Velachery, the first train departs at 5:00 am to Chennai beach, with the last train departing Velachery at 10:20 pm.[51] On Sundays, a total of 51 trips are operated.[52] In the peak hours, nine-car trains are used, while six-car trains are operated during the remaining time.[53] Nine-car rakes were introduced in 2008.[54] All services, on the MRTS, were upgraded to 9 cars from Aug-2015 onwards.[55] Two additional services promised in 2012 Railway Budget were introduced only in July 2013.[56]
Patronage
The line currently transports less than 25 percent of its projected passenger capacity.[57] The MRTS experiences a ridership of 78,000 commuters during weekdays and Saturdays. However, there has been a ridership increase from approximately 25,000 people in 2000[11] and 66,518 people in 2008.[58] Incidentally, when the MRTS was extended up to Velachery in 2007, it saw a three-fold increase in the revenue.[59] As of July 2015 the ridership is at 100,000 commuters a day. Commuters point out that the MRTS services could see higher patronage if the railway stations have better bus connectivity, proper maintenance and enough lighting and security.[60]
Of the system's 17 stations, Chennai Park Town, Thirumayilai, Thiruvanmiyur and Velachery account for nearly 40 percent of the ridership.[61][62][63][64] In a measure to increase patronage, the MRTS had adopted several schemes to draw potential passengers.[3][11][65]
As the route passes close to some of the most famous temples of Chennai, the MRTS operates special trains during popular religious festivals such as the Vaikunta Ekadashi at Parthasarathy Temple in Triplicane[66] and Arupathumoovar at the Kapaleeshwarar Temple in Mylapore.[67] Special trains are also run during cricket matches at the M. A. Chidambaram Stadium at Chepauk,[10][68][69] and air shows[70] and Kaanum Pongal at the Marina Beach.[71][72][73][74][75][76][77][78] and bus strikes.[79]
Finances
For the 10-month period from April 2009 to January 2010, the MRTS earned a total revenue of ₹ 127.6 million: with a fare revenue of (₹ 122.1 million from ticketing sales, ₹ 2.6 million from advertisement sales and ₹ 2.9 million from parking contracts). This is compared with an estimated operating expense of about ₹ 230 million. The operational cost of the entire stretch is about ₹ 1.8 million per day while revenue generated amounts to only ₹ 0.3 million per day.[12]
The average number of passengers and the revenue generated per day over the past years are listed below:[12]
Year | No. of passengers | Total revenue (in ₹) |
---|---|---|
2008–2009 | 31,879 | 355,948 |
2009–2010 | 33,178 | 396,374 |
The MRTS network registered a 16.25-percent increase in revenue to ₹ 198.9 million in 2011–2012 period.[80]
Fares and ticketing
Distance (km) | 2nd-Class Fares | 1st-Class Fares | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
Adult (₹) | Child (₹) | Adult (₹) | Child (₹) | |
1–5 | 5 | 5 | 45 | 45 |
6–10 | 5 | 5 | 45 | 45 |
11–15 | 5 | 5 | 55 | 45 |
16–20 | 5 | 5 | 80 | 55 |
21–25 | 10 | 10 | 85 | 55 |
The fare structure of the Chennai MRTS is integrated with that of the Chennai Suburban Railway, as both are operated by the Southern Railways. Unlike most rapid transit systems, and like the Chennai Suburban Railway, the Chennai MRTS maintains first-class passenger seating and does not have air-conditioned coaches.[82][83] First class travel is only available aboard 9-car trains.[58]
In addition to the fare scheme listed in the table, which is meant for one-time ticketed travel, the Southern Railways has monthly tickets and quarterly season tickets scheme for more frequent travellers.[84][85][86]
Rolling stock
The Chennai MRTS uses both 6-car and 9-car electrical multiple unit trains, although the 9-car trains are more prevalent during peak hours and from Aug-2015 onwards all services are 9-cars only.[55] The trains use overhead catenary for power supply and are broad gauge.[87][88] A 9-car rake is typified by 3 motor coaches each at the front, the middle and the last. The motors are used to run the wheels of the train at a stipulated speed limit.[89] The MRTS coaches have entry and exit on both sides. The EMU coaches are manufactured by the Integral Coach Factory, Chennai.
Criticism
Since its construction stages, the Chennai MRTS has had its share of controversies and criticism,[90] including the cost-effectiveness of the route, accessibility,[91] poor maintenance of stations, lack of intermodal transport facility, environmental concerns, budgeting issues and security issues.[92] In light of these issues, which further impacted the line's low ridership, the MRTS has been working incrementally to change its image to Chennai's residents, by addressing and ameliorating the current conditions.[93]
Lack of integration with other modes of transport
Some stations lack proper and safe approach roads, thus deterring passengers from reaching the stations. A study jointly conducted by Southern Railways and CMDA is currently in progress, and the survey results would help to identify the infrastructure problems that hinder ridership on MRTS[94][95] and Mono Rail on the need to provide infrastructure like ramps, skywalks, nearby bus stops and pedestrians walkways.[96][96] Access to the Chennai MRTS remains a crucial issue to the line's success, as it does not fully integrate with other modes of transportation in the city,.[61][82][96][97][98]
Special focus would be on pedestrian facilities that would provide access to MRTS stations from nearby roads and bus stops, apart from identifying new feeder routes for the network.[57] With the completion of connectivity to St. Thomas Mount (expected by 2017), the MRTS will be integrated into the grid of the Chennai Suburban Railway and the Chennai Metro Rail, thus sharing an intermodal transportation interchange with both the systems, when it is expected to reach its full potential due to uninterrupted movement of commuters across different rail lines in the city.[99]
The state and central governments are also working together for the CMRL to takeover the Mass Rapid Transport System (MRTS) so that the latter will get a new shot of blood with modernised stations, integrated ticketing systems, better facilities for passengers, increased frequency of services taking into consideration passenger demands, and also lead to better maintenance.[100]
Inadequate maintenance and usage of station facilities
The system has also been criticised for improper maintenance of stations[101] and the infrastructure[102][103] and on the windshields of cars parked below the stations,[104] vandalism at several stations, seepage of rainwater through holes in the roofs of stations[105][106] non-functional station amenities such as lifts and escalators,[5][19][46][58][62][107][108][109][110][111][112][113][114][115][116] Station staff have expressed their concern over the Chennai MRTS's safety issues.[3][117][118][118][119][120][121][122] and conducting various thefts[123][124][125][126][127] In a recent bid to provide improve the security of the passengers using the network, it has been decided that the MRTS stations would have a single entry and exit point as it has been difficult for the RPF personnel to monitor multiple gates at the same time.[62][128][129][130] According to sources, there is a 20% shortage in the strength of the railway protection force in MRTS stations.[131]
Other issues
The MRTS has been criticised for environmental issues during its construction phase, due to the fact that much of the alignment was built along the banks of the Buckingham Canal.[99][132] Although the canal itself has been in decline to a sewage,[133] the Chennai River Restoration Trust has planned to revitalise and redevelop it. However, a 7.1-km section will remain impassable due to the presence of the MRTS. Another environmental impact caused by the erection of MRTS pillars in the canal is the blocking of the natural flow of storm water during rains. This has led to severe stagnation of rainwater in the neighbourhoods adjoining the canal.[134]
Future plans
Extension to St. Thomas Mount
Work on the 5 km (3 mi), three-station Phase II extension from Velachery to St. Thomas Mount began in 2008, with an original estimated completion of December 2010.[135][136] The cost of the extension was estimated at ₹ 4,957 million. However, the line has been repeatedly postponed due to multiple issues during its construction process.[137][138]
History of construction of MRTS Phase-2 Extension
Despite the delays, the extension from Velachery to St. Thomas Mount is currently underway. Track laying is progressing on the first 2 km (1 mi) stretch from Velachery. Of the remaining 1.5 km, the last 0.5 km (0 mi) from St. Thomas Mount is being constructed simultaneously with Chennai Metro. Litigation had previously prevented the work from being carried out in the last portion of track laying and the work had been stalled for nearly two years. However, a court ruling was passed in favour of the Chennai MRTS.
- July-2011 Construction of the stations begins.
- July-2012 According to the Railway Budget 2012, the section would be commissioned by December 2013.[139]
- October-2012 Land acquisition by CMDA has resumed after the Madras High court vacated a stay and construction work is expected to resume once the acquired land is transferred to the Railways. Land acquisition on the 5-km stretch resumed to be completed in 45 days.[5][140]
- April 2013 expected to be completed by February 2013 but legal wrangles continue to obstruct the development[141]
- July-2013 The extension of the network has hit a cul de sac near Thillai Ganga Nagar due to difficulty in procuring the land from the locals.[142][143]
- May-2014 3.7 km of the 5-km stretch of the MRTS line completed. Work is expected to resume, in a month, after the beneficiaries who had approached the High Court against the acquisition of 500 metres of land are expected to be compensated under the Indian government’s new Land Acquisition Act, that came into effect on 2014, replacing a 119-year-old obsolete legislation.[144]
- October-2014 Few of the residents again approached court demanding higher compensation, based on the Land Acquisition Act 2013 - that came into force from 1 January 2014.[145]
- July-2015 As many as 18 cases filed in Madras High Court to fix the compensation under the new Land Acquisition Act - and the project was not expected to be complete before December, 2016.[146]
- 6 August 2015 the High Court directed the authorities to follow the new law enacted in 2013 that gave better compensation to land owners and to complete the exercise as expeditiously as possible and not later than three months.[147]
- November 2015 Revenue Officials state that land acquisition process had been put on hold as they were engaged in flood-relief work.[148]
- March 2016 Southern Railway General Manager states that MRTS final phase will take at least 18 more months from the date of receiving land (for the last 500 meters) from State Government - which is yet to start the process of acquiring land as per new rates.[149]
Design
The extension will be on an elevated structure whose alignment will be along the median of the Inner Ring Road (IRR) up to 3.585 km (2.228 mi) from Velachery, except for a small portion near Medavakkam Road. Beyond 3.585 km (2.228 mi), the alignment would deviate from IRR and would pass through the private built-up areas and terminate at St. Thomas Mount station. There are two stations en route, namely, Puzhithivakkam (1.85 km (1.15 mi) from Velachery) and Adambakkam (2.85 km (1.77 mi) from Velachery). All three stations, including St. Thomas Mount, will be on an elevated structure. Unlike stations on the Tirumailai–Velachery stretch, only minimum passenger amenities will be provided at the stations and no commercial complexes are planned. Due to spatial constraints, the stations are being built in a smaller design, with four staircases with escalators covering both sides of the road.[150][151]
Benefits
The extension up to St. Thomas Mount is believed to benefit several people including those working in the IT establishments, residences and other offices near to the MRTS network.[152][153] The patronage of the network is expected to increase significantly with this extension because St. Thomas Mount station will emerge as a single point interchange for 5 different modes of public transport – Public Buses, Southern Railway, the MRTS, Suburban South Line and Metro Line 2 - including a multi level terminal for three different suburban railway networks.[80][154] Thus, the Mass Rapid Transit System (MRTS) is likely to be the missing link in the proposed three-way integration at St. Thomas Mount railway station when metro rail is up and running by mid-2014. It also has been further decided to terminate long distance trains there, so that the city traffic may get reduced.[155]
Proposed extension to Villivakkam
The third and fourth phases of the MRTS were initially planned to connect St. Thomas Mount with Villivakkam and Villivakkam with Ennore, respectively.[156] However, with the implementation of the Chennai Metro Rail, the plan for developing these two phases have been dropped, since these overlaps with the alignment of the Chennai Metro Rail.[157]
Proposed Chennai to Cuddalore Port coastal railway corridor
In 2008, a proposal was initiated to construct a new railway line from Perungudi MRTS station in Chennai to Pondicherry via Old Mahabalipuram Road (OMR) and East Coast Road (ECR). The line emanating from Perungudi MRTS station is envisaged to be 179 km long and is expected to traverse via Sholinganallur, SIPCOT, Kovalam, Tiruporur, Mamallapuram, Kalpakkam, Koovathur, Cheyyur, Marakkanam, Kunimedu, Kuiyilappalayam, Jipmer in Pondicherry, Bahour, Varakalpattu, and Tirupadipuliyur to reach Cuddalore Port Jn.[158] The railway line would run on an embankment.[159] There was also a proposal to extend the line up to Karaikal via Mayiladuthurai.[160] The railway line was sanctioned in the 2007 supplementary budget with an estimated cost of ₹ 5,230 million. However, there has been a delay owing to lack of funds[158] and the project is expected to be completed in about 10 years. To expedite the project, the railway board is looking out for multiple options including private contribution, although the model is not yet finalised.[161] There are also alternative plans of beginning or linking the line to Chengalpet.[162][163] This railway corridor is expected to reduce the travel time between Chennai and Pondicherry to two hours against five hours along the present route via Villupuram. In Oct-2013, the state government started acquiring land for the 179-km project. At that time the project was estimated to cost ₹ 8,000 million.[164]
Trivia
- MRTS schedules are available on Google Maps or Google Transit and this feature has been extended for Android smartphone devices too.[165][166][167][168]
- SMS tracking facility is to be implemented in MRTS trains. The trains have been fitted with GPS devices and the new method will help finding the position of the trains in real time without human intervention.[169]
See also
References
Notes
- ^ a b Hari. "MRTS goes full nine-car".
- ^ Year Book 2009. Bright Publications. p. 569.
- ^ a b c d Madhavan, N. (4 April 2010). "Mass rejected transit system". Business Today. Chennai: Living Media India Limited. Retrieved 15 August 2012.
- ^ Menon, Shobha (16–31 August 2008). "The Metro experience". Madras Musings. XVIII (9). Retrieved 24 April 2014.
- ^ a b c "MRTS upto St. Thomas Mount back on track". The Hindu. Chennai. 16 October 2012. Retrieved 15 December 2012.
- ^ Sreevatsan, Ajai (6 August 2010). "Metro Rail may take over MRTS". The Hindu. Chennai, India.
- ^ Janardhanan, Arun (2 August 2014). "Chennai Metro rail likely to take over MRTS". The Times of India. Chennai.
- ^ Sunitha Sekar (20 September 2016). "Metro-MRTS merger: Hunt on for consultant". The Hindu.
- ^ a b "Report No.5 of 2006 (Railways)" (PDF). cag.nic.in. Archived from the original (PDF) on 1 February 2014.
{{cite web}}
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ignored (|url-status=
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- ^ a b c d Raja Simhan, T. E. (29 May 2000). "Chennai's MRTS: Not on fast track, yet". Business Line. Chennai. Retrieved 15 August 2012.
- ^ a b c d Sreevatsan, Ajai (10 August 2010). "Metro Rail may take over MRTS". The Hindu. Chennai. Retrieved 19 August 2012.
- ^ N.S.Vageesh (27 September 2003). "A princely ride in Chennai's MRTS". The Hindu. Retrieved 29 February 2012.
- ^ a b A. Srivathsan (25 June 2012). "MRTS: A wreck of a system". The Hindu. Retrieved 25 June 2012.
- ^ a b c "DEVELOPMENT OF MRTS IN CHENNAI". CMDA.
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- ^ Ajai Sreevatsan (31 October 2011). "Evolution of Chennai's Public Transport System" (PDF). The Hindu. Chennai, India. Retrieved 29 February 2012.
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- ^ http://www.newindianexpress.com/states/tamil-nadu/2016/dec/19/mrts-phase-ii-extension-deadline-again-extended-1550728.html
- ^ S.Vydhianathan (27 June 2002). "Existing funding pattern to continue for MRTS phase-II". The Hindu. Retrieved 20 August 2012.
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- ^ T K Rohit (31 July 2008). "MORE BANG FOR THE BUCK MRTS stations to house IT offices CMDA To Develop One Lakh Sq Ft Commercial Space at Stations; Woo Malls, Firms". The Times of India, Chennai. Retrieved 27 July 2013.
- ^ "Operational time of MRTS trains revised". The Hindu. 1 July 2012. Retrieved 21 August 2012.
- ^ R.Srikanth (18 March 2012). "Technical snag delays MRTS services". The Hindu. Retrieved 21 August 2012.
- ^ "Chennai Beach – Velachery – Chennai Beach Week days service" (PDF). Southern Railways. Retrieved 18 August 2012.
- ^ "Chennai Beach – Velachery – Chennai Beach Sunday service" (PDF). Souther Railways. Retrieved 18 August 2012.
- ^ H Sheik Mydeen (12 July 2012). "Change in timings holds up MRTS services". The New Indian Express.
{{cite news}}
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- ^ a b c Srikanth, R. (11 November 2008). "MRTS getting popular, yet it has miles to go". The Hindu. Chennai. Retrieved 15 August 2012.
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- ^ "Huge crowds throng temples on Vaikunta Ekadasi". The Times of India. 18 December 2010. Retrieved 18 August 2012.
- ^ "MRTS specials for 'Arupathumoovar' festival". The Hindu. 2 April 2004. Retrieved 18 August 2012.
- ^ "Special trains for cricket match". The Hindu. 19 March 2011. Retrieved 18 August 2012.
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- ^ "Special bus, train services for air show". The Hindu. 21 April 2007. Retrieved 18 August 2012.
- ^ "Thousands throng Marina for Kaanum Pongal". One India News. 17 January 2008. Retrieved 18 August 2012.
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- ^ Ajai Sreevatsan (20 January 2011). "Kaanum Pongal brings MTC, MRTS good revenue". The Hindu. Retrieved 21 August 2012.
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- ^ "மேம்பால ரயில் நிலையங்களில் இரும்பு பொருட்கள் திருட்டு [Theft of Iron Property from MRTS Stations]". Dinamalar (in Tamil). Chennai: Dinamalar. 23 July 2012. Retrieved 15 August 2012.
- ^ "Software engineer robbed at MRTS station". The Hindu. Chennai. 18 February 2011. Retrieved 15 August 2012.
- ^ Narayanan, Vivek (3 July 2012). "MRTS dents city's safe reputation". The Hindu. Chennai. Retrieved 15 August 2012.
- ^ "Cars gutted in MRTS station parking lot". The Hindu. 2 November 2011. Retrieved 21 August 2012.
- ^ Ajai Sreevatsan and R.Srikanth (14 January 2011). "No parking contractor at Perungudi MRTS station". The Hindu. Retrieved 21 August 2012.
- ^ "RPF cover for more MRTS stations". The Times of India. 12 October 2010. Retrieved 21 August 2012.
- ^ Vivek Narayanan (5 January 2013). "MRTS stations to have 1 entry, exit". The Hindu. Retrieved 5 January 2013.
- ^ Vannan, Gokul (5 May 2010). "Chain snatching scares commuters at Chepauk". The New Indian Express. Chennai: Express Publications. Retrieved 19 May 2013.
- ^ "Chapter 3 : Protection of Passengers and their belongings including Strategy to Control Crime" (PDF). Security Management in Indian Railways. Indian Railways. Retrieved 25 August 2012.
- ^ Vivek Narayanan (6 December 2012). "Railway cops shortage hits security at MRTS stations". The Hindu, Chennai. Thehindu.com.
- ^ "Need to integrate MRTS with other public transport systems". Business Line. 25 February 2011. Retrieved 21 August 2012.
- ^ "3-yr-old boy rescued from canal, struggling for life". The Times of India. 31 January 2011. Retrieved 18 September 2012.
- ^ K. Manikandan (3 November 2002). "Inundation exposes lack of planning". The Hindu. Retrieved 18 September 2012.
- ^ "MRTS to St. Thomas Mount by December, 2010". The Hindu. Chennai, India. 27 February 2008.
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- ^ "Southern Railway – Budget Highlights-2012-13". Railway budget 2012, Taken from Southern Railways Website. Archived from the original on 15 January 2013. Retrieved 16 July 2012.
{{cite web}}
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ignored (|url-status=
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Further reading
- "Train to nowhere", Bishwanath Ghosh, The Sunday Diary – 14 October 2012; The Hindu, Chennai
- "MRTS network is a sitting duck", Greeshma Gopal Giri, 20 July 2009; The New Indian Express, Chennai
- " Thugs and goons have run of city MRTS stations", Greeshma Gopal Giri, 17 November 2009; The New Indian Express, Chennai
- " MRTS to get new lease of life", C.Shivakumar, 1 March 2012; The New Indian Express, Chennai
- "Residents protest MRTS alignment change", 3 October 2010; The New Indian Express, Chennai
- " MRTS is in bad shape: Study", C.Shivakumar, 15 October 2011; The New Indian Express, Chennai
- "Rly police ready to offer security cover to MRTS", Greeshma Gopal Giri, 14 July 2009; The New Indian Express, Chennai
- "MRTS services erratic", Yogesh Kabirdoss, 13 October 2011; The New Indian Express, Chennai
- "The pathetic state of the scary MRTS stations", Daniel Thimmayya, 11 October 2011; The New Indian Express, Chennai
- "State non-committal on MRTS", 27 Aug 2009; The New Indian Express, Chennai
- "Where danger lurks for lovers", Gokul Vannan, 16 June 2010; The New Indian Express, Chennai
- "Local Train Stations Too Far, Unsafe for Women", U Tejonmayan, 4 October 2011; The New Indian Express, Chennai.
- "Southern Railway blames state for MRTS delay", 1 July 2011; The New Indian Express, Chennai
- "Empty space and deserted floors characterise the city’s mrts stations. Toi takes a look at ways to fill them", 26 March 2012, The Times of India, Chennai
- "Locked parking lots and irked commuters", 17 December 2012; The Hindu, Chennai
- "On the fast track" – Description of journey in the last MRTS train service for the day, Aparna Karthikeyan, 18 December 2012; The Hindu, Chennai
- "Plans for ramps, skywalks at MRTS stns remain on paper" – Also discusses the poor safety conditions,lack of bus facility and other usual problems perennially associated with the MRTS. 28 December 2012; The Times of India, Chennai
- "Mapping areas where crimes against women are high" – MRTS stations predominantly feature in this list. Ekatha Ann John. 2 January; The Times of India, Chennai
- "MRTS phase II: land acquisition picks up pace", 13 January 2013; The Hindu, Chennai
- "MRTS to Adambakkam likely by mid-2012". 18 November 2011, Aloysius Xavier Lopez, The Hindu, Chennai
- "Link roads to connect MRTS stations soon", 18 January 2013, The Hindu, Chennai
- "Land acquisition for city’s key projects likely to see end soon". 1 March 2013, The Hindu, Chennai
- "MRTS stations suffer for want of maintenance", 12 March 2013, The Hindu, Chennai
- "Mushrooming slum has residents worried Huts Have Come Up Along Buckingham Canal On OMR" – The Times of India, June 2013, Chennai
- "Crap and garbage piling up like a mountain, toilet water taps on the blink – Pathetic State of Kotturpuram MRTS Station". 29 June 2013, Dinakaran (Tamil), Chennai
- "Reply from Chief Administrative Officer (Construction), Southern Railways – Status of MRTS project and why trains can't be currently operated only up to Adambakkam", 11 July 2013, The Times of India, Chennai
- "MRTS Stations are now dumping yards", 9 Aug 2002, The Hindu, Chennai
- "MRTS worker falls to death in Chennai", 17 July 2013, The Hindu, Tambaram (Chennai)]
- "HC declines to shift MRTS station", 22 Aug 2010, The Times of India, Chennai
- "MRTS stations,already in poor shape,turn wet and dirty after the monsoon", 11 Nov 2009. The Times of India, Chennai
- "Velachery-Taramani Rd to come up along MRTS", 11 July 2008, The Times of India, Chennai
- "Acquiring land is key to completion of works by 2013", 16 Mar 2011, The Times of India, Chennai
- "Clogged roads help MRTS traffic double", 13 Nov 2008, The Times of India, Chennai
- "Half-done MRTS stns are a death trap", The Times of India, Chennai
- "Tracking MRTS -As a commuter and a critic, Liffy Thomas brings balance to analysis of the MRTS line", Downtown, The Hindu, 12 August 2013, Chennai
- "Park near Kotturpuram MRTS soon", [1] The New Indian Express, 13 August 2013, Chennai
- "Increasing patronage but miles to go", Liffy Thomas, 7 Sep 2013, The Hindu, Chennai
- "It’s a name game" – The inauguration of the 18th station "Mundagakanniamman Koil" on the Beach-Velachery MRTS line is delayed due to a raging debate over its name. T.S. Atul Swaminathan, Downtown, The Hindu, 7 Sep 2013.
- "Toilets a blot on MRTS", Downtown, The Hindu, Chennai, 26 October 2013.
- "Chain snatched at MRTS station", The Hindu, Chennai, 1 November 2013
- "Southern Railway planning to hand over last stage of MRTS project to CMRL", [2][permanent dead link] Deccan Chronicle, Chennai, 7 November 2013
- "Women don’t feel safe at some MRTS stations", The Hindu, Chennai, 12 November 2013
- "EMU shed lies unused in Velachery", The Hindu, Chennai, 12 November 2013
- "MRTS parking lots rented out illegally", The Times of India, Chennai, 11 December 2013
- "Announcements on Chennai MRTS trains a hit", The Hindu, Chennai, 9 December 2013
- "Ups and downs of Chennai's MRTS escalators", The Hindu, Chennai, 13 December 2013
- "3.4-km-long road to connect MRTS stations in Chennai", The Hindu, Chennai, 15 December 2013
- "Defunct lift at Chennai MRTS station proves a nightmare for ill commuter", The Hindu, Chennai, 17 December 2013