The Chennai Mass Rapid Transit System (MRTS) extension from Velachery to St. Thomas Mount is set for completion, with services expected to begin before Pongal in January 2026.
The final phase, including overhead electrification, is being executed by Southern Railway's Construction Wing, with a speed test planned ahead of submitting an application for commissioning to the Commissioner of Railway Safety (CRS). A load deflection test and track de-stressing were successfully completed, but delays occurred due to issues with girder launching by Chennai Metro Rail.
The project, estimated at Rs 734 crore, faced numerous setbacks, including land acquisition hurdles and a collapsed girder in 2024. The project is expected to transform St. Thomas Mount into a major transport hub, akin to Guindy station.