Chennai Metro Rail (CMRL) has appointed Balaji Railroad Systems to carry out feasibility studies for three proposed high-speed rail corridors intended to link Chennai and Coimbatore with key regional centres.

The initiative is part of a plan to establish a regional rapid transit system capable of operating at speeds between 160–200 km/h or higher. This system aims to cut travel time between major cities and surrounding towns to just 30–60 minutes, offering a faster, more efficient transport alternative for commuters and intercity travellers.

The feasibility studies will focus on defining the scope, technical specifications, and optimal alignment for the proposed corridors. The agreement was formally signed by T Archunan, Director (Projects) at CMRL, and M Robert Rajasekaran, General Manager – Projects (South) at Balaji Railroad Systems, in the presence of senior CMRL officials.

These studies are expected to provide a critical foundation for the development of the highspeed network, guiding future investments and project planning aimed at enhancing regional connectivity in Tamil Nadu.