CUMTA prepares blueprint to hand over MRTS stations to Chennai Metro

Chennai, India (Urban Transport News): The Chennai Unified Metropolitan Transport Authority (CUMTA) is preparing a blue print for merger of the Mass Rapid Transit System (MRTS) with Chennai Metro Rail Ltd. (CMRL). "The merger of the Mass Rapid Transit System (MRTS) with Chennai Metro Rail Ltd. (CMRL) will happen in two stages and will be coordinated by the Chennai Unified Metropolitan Transport Authority (CUMTA)," said I Jeyakumar, special officer of CUMTA.

This development comes after Southern Railway gave in-principle approval to hand over MRTS to Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) during a meeting chaired by Chief Secretary Irai Anbu on 11th May 2022.

“We will develop the stations and areas around them, as well as office spaces and business centres. Most of these stations are in remote locations. We wanted to improve the environment. An MoU was drafted and is with the housing and urban development department,” said Jeyakumar.

“Once we get the in-principle clearance, CMDA and the State government will sign an MoU with Indian Railways,” he said, adding CUMTA is conducting a study on the real estate potential and facilities at all MRTS stations. “We will map everything and come out with a detailed project report,” he said.

It is learnt that CMDA will go for an open tender for commercial development of all 18 stations of MRTS. This will take about 24 months.