T.N. awaits Centre's nod for CMRL-MRTS takeover MoU

The Tamil Nadu government is yet to receive the Centre's approval for the memorandum of understanding (MoU) that would hand over operations of the Chennai MRTS to Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL), official sources said on Tuesday.

The proposed takeover has been in the works for months, with the state keen to integrate the suburban rail corridor with the expanding metro network. However, the file remains pending with the Union government, and officials say there has been no word on when a decision might come.

Why the takeover matters

The MRTS, which runs from Chennai Beach to Velachery, is currently operated by Southern Railway. The plan is to transfer it to CMRL so that commuters can enjoy seamless travel between metro and MRTS services, with common ticketing and coordinated timings.

For years, the MRTS has struggled with low ridership and ageing infrastructure. The state government believes that bringing it under CMRL's management could improve service quality and attract more passengers.

What the MoU entails

The MoU, drafted after several rounds of discussions between the state and the railways, lays out the terms of the transfer. It covers asset ownership, staff absorption, and the financial framework for operations and maintenance.

While the state has been ready to sign on the dotted line, the approval from the Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) is a prerequisite. Officials in Chennai say they have followed up on multiple occasions but are yet to get a clear response.

Awaiting clarity

“We are waiting for the Centre's nod. There is no update as of now,” a senior state official told The Hindu, declining to specify a timeline.

The delay has raised questions about whether the project will see the light of day in the current financial year. CMRL, which is already executing Phase II of the metro network, had hoped to start integrating MRTS operations soon after the MoU was approved.

The state government has not indicated any alternative plan in case the approval is further delayed, but sources suggest that the matter has been escalated to higher levels.

Commuters on the MRTS corridor — which passes through densely populated areas like Thiruvanmiyur, Adyar, and Saidapet — have long complained about infrequent trains and poor station maintenance. The takeover is seen as a critical step towards modernising this route.

What to watch

With the Union government yet to respond, all eyes will be on the next round of talks between state officials and the ministry. Any movement on the file could trigger a quick transition, but until then, the MRTS remains in a state of limbo.