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.

Resources

24 Oct 2025

Blum Experience Centre Opens in Kanpur

Furniture fittings major Blum has expanded its presence in Uttar Pradesh with the opening of Elika by Ajanta Agencies, an authorised Blum Experience Centre in Kanpur. The centre offers homeowners, interior designers, and architects an opportunity to experience how high-quality fittings can transform comfort and functionality in modern living spaces. The experience centre showcases Blum’s signature innovations including the LEGRABOX drawer systems, SERVO-DRIVE motion technologies, SPACE STEP dual-purpose drawer and step solution, and SPACE TOWER tall pantry unit. Visitors can explore erg..

Kapsch TrafficCom Opens Four New Toll Plazas in Serbia

Kapsch TrafficCom has opened four new toll plazas along Serbia’s Moravski Corridor, marking another milestone in the country’s ongoing road infrastructure development. The corridor, a 112.4 km motorway in central Serbia, links the east-west axis with the north-south corridor between Hungary and North Macedonia, connecting the A1 and A2 highways and improving access between Belgrade and the Zlatibor mountain region. Ivan Katalina, Sales Manager Balkans, Kapsch TrafficCom, said, “The implementation of the tolling systems is proceeding smoothly and on schedule. Our local expertise, com..

Megaliter Varunaa Secures Rs 15 million Seed Funding for Urban Water Circularity

Hyderabad-based Megaliter Varunaa, a subsidiary of NSE-listed Banka BioLoo Limited and mentored by Brigade REAP, has raised Rs 15 million in seed capital from long-term institutional investors. The funding will accelerate project development, technology innovation, and business expansion in urban water management. Megaliter Varunaa transforms sewage treatment plants into circular water utilities through its flagship ‘Megaliter Model’—a zero-CapEx, subscription-based solution that maximises wastewater reuse for non-potable applications such as flushing, landscaping, and chiller syste..