CUMTA awaits TN approval to assume MRTS on 'As Is Where Is' basis

28 Nov 2023 CW Team

The Chennai Unified Metropolitan Transport Authority (CUMTA) is in the process of seeking government approval for a draft memorandum of understanding (MoU) to acquire the Mass Rapid Transit System (MRTS). This comes after Southern Railway agreed to hand over the entire transit system to the state government on an 'as is where is' basis.

Southern Railway has also proposed to provide 'hand-holding' support in operations and maintenance for one year free of cost during the transition period from the date of execution of the MoU. This offer is made as Chennai Metro rail, which is expected to take over the operations of MRTS, lacks the expertise to run trains. The sources further mentioned that EMU coaches, funded by the state government, will be handed over for operation to the state. If these coaches are returned to Indian Railways, they will either be reimbursed or adjusted with the state at a depreciated value.

The implications of this move suggest that the state is likely to revamp the MRTS infrastructure to align it with the standards of Chennai Metro after acquiring it. Additionally, sources revealed that the existing EMU fleet in the MRTS system of Southern Railway will be provided to the state free of cost for two years. However, lease charges will be applicable beyond the initial two years from the date of execution of the MoU.

Infrastructure Transport

29 Oct 2025

Taking Flight!

When Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) on October 8, 2025, it marked far more than the opening of another terminal – it signified a turning point in India’s aviation and infrastructure narrative. Developed by Adani Airport Holdings Ltd (AAHL) in partnership with the City and Industrial Development Corporation (CIDCO), NMIA represents a bold vision of how modern India intends to connect its people, power its economy and project its identity on the global stage.“The Navi Mumbai International Airport is a project that exemplifies the visio..

Highway Guidelines 2.0

In August 2025, a Public Accounts Committee comprising members of the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha presented a report, ‘Levy and Regulation of Fees, Tariffs, User Charges etc on Public Infrastructure and Other Public Utilities in the context of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) and the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI).Having examined present design accountability, subcontracting, pavement failures, emergency response mechanisms, toll reforms, service quality, stakeholder consultations and other aspects, the Committee presented recommendations covering the planning a..

Railways approves major upgrade for Telangana traction lines

The Ministry of Railways has approved the upgradation of the electric traction system in two crucial railway sections — Medchal–Mudkhed (225 km) and Mahbubnagar–Dhone (184 km). The projects, costing Rs 1.93 billion and Rs 1.23 billion respectively, will enhance the electric traction capacity from 1X25 KV to 2X25 KV. The work includes modifications to circuit breakers and switching stations, along with the installation of additional conductors. These routes serve as vital links between Northern and Southern India via Hyderabad. Once completed, the upgraded system will reduce voltage dro..