Track Fast-Tracked: ₹2,100+ Cr Boost for Chennai’s Suburban Rail Network

To ease heavy commuter congestion across Chennai’s suburban rail corridors, the Ministry of Railways has sanctioned and fast-tracked several key multitracking and doubling projects in Tamil Nadu.

Responding to queries in the Lok Sabha from MP R Sudha, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw confirmed the sanctioning of the 30-km Tambaram–Chengalpet fourth line project, estimated at ₹757 crore. Additionally, two major expansion works—the Arakkonam–Chengalpet doubling project (₹993 crore) and the Attipattu–Gummidipundi third and fourth line project (₹365 crore)—are currently under execution.

These infrastructure upgrades aim to increase line capacity across Chennai’s northern, western, and southern suburban routes, which together cater to over 15 lakh commuters daily.

While DPRs and surveys for extended regional routes (including Gummidipundi–Gudur and Villupuram–Nagercoil) are moving forward, the Minister emphasized that final execution relies on inter-ministerial clearances and resolving ongoing land acquisition hurdles within the state.

News by Rahul Yelligetti.