Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) has taken the first step towards revolutionising regional connectivity in Tamil Nadu by awarding contracts worth over Rs 2.2 crore to Balaji Railroad Systems Ltd (BARSYL) for preparing Detailed Feasibility Reports (DFRs) for three proposed Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) corridors.

Inspired by the Delhi-Meerut RRTS model, these corridors are designed to link major urban and industrial hubs with high-speed, efficient rail systems. The three proposed routes include:

1. Chennai–Kanchipuram–Vellore

2. Chennai–Chengalpattu–Tindivanam–Villupuram

3. Coimbatore–Tiruppur–Erode–Salem

The Chennai–Vellore corridor (140 km) is expected to cut travel time to under one hour, with the Chennai–Kanchipuram stretch reduced to just 20 minutes. This route will support economic integration, medical tourism, and daily commuting needs. The contract value for this segment is Rs 72.88 lakh.

The Chennai–Chengalpattu–Villupuram corridor (167 km), valued at Rs 74.58 lakh, is expected to significantly improve access to the interior districts from Chennai’s southern suburbs, enhancing trade and commuter convenience.

Meanwhile, the Coimbatore–Tiruppur–Erode–Salem route, also valued at Rs 74.78 lakh, aims to support passenger and freight movement across the western industrial belt.

CMRL used a single-stage, two-bid open e-tender system to finalise the consultancy, with BARSYL emerging as the lowest bidder for all three packages. Each study will be completed within a 180-day timeframe.

The corridors are expected to reduce travel time, encourage economic activity in smaller towns, and support environmentally friendly transport through electric trains. CMRL is also exploring ropeway systems in tourist hubs such as Mamallapuram, Ooty, and Kodaikanal as part of a larger effort to improve transport infrastructure across Tamil Nadu.