Commuters in Chennai are set to see a comprehensive transformation of the Mass Rapid Transit System (MRTS) by 2028, with all stations and systems upgraded to Metro standards under a planned takeover by Chennai Metro Rail Limited.

As part of the revamp, trains, signalling, traction and telecom systems on the Chennai Beach–Velachery MRTS corridor will be modernised. Broad-gauge, air-conditioned coaches similar to those used on the Delhi Metro will be introduced, along with a Communication-Based Train Control signalling system to improve safety and capacity.

The takeover and upgrade are currently estimated to cost around Rs 42 billion, of which about Rs 12 billion will be required to procure 25 three-coach air-conditioned trainsets. While CMRL had earlier planned to refurbish stations within six months, the approach has been revised to follow a more detailed project framework.

Bids will be invited for a project management consultant, followed by tenders for station upgrades, after a Memorandum of Understanding is signed between the Tamil Nadu government and Southern Railway. CMRL has already prepared a preliminary project report, which will form the basis for a detailed project report to be drawn up next year.

Officials said that if tenders for the DPR are floated by February, the contract could be finalised by June, with the DPR ready within six months, by December. The MoU, which is currently being finalised and is expected to be signed in January, will outline asset transfer, operational transition, future coordination, viaduct evaluation and legal provisions.

Once approvals are secured and a government order is issued, the modernisation programme will move into execution, bringing the MRTS network in line with Metro standards and significantly improving passenger amenities and service reliability across Chennai.