TN to spend Rs 3,000 crore to revive MRTS with Chennai Metro stations like ambience

C Shivakumar @ Chennai:

If you are a MRTS traveler, there is good news for you.  The travel experience in the line is set to be redefined as the loud noisy dull and drab coaches of suburban train is set to be replaced by Chennai Metro rail like coaches.

The state government will have to spend Rs 2,800 crore to Rs 3,100 crore to revive the dull and hollow platforms of Mass Rapid Transit System and putting in place new rolling stock and providing the ambience of Metro station, according to a final report prepared by the consultant to study the merger of MRTS with Chennai Metro.

The report is being submitted after the state government initiated the study to understand the feasibility and framework of integrating MRTS with Chennai Metro, the initial phase which was opened in July 2015. PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) and Balaji Railroad Systems carried out the study and two interim reports and a draft final report was already submitted.

Metro Rail sources told Express that the upgraded metro system post merger of MRTS with Chennai Metro will cost Rs 2,800 crore in two year period if the ballasted tracks are retained and Rs 3,100 crore if the ballasted tracks are converted.

Interestingly, the submission of the report paves the way for preparation of Detailed Project Report for the merger of MRTS with Chennai Metro.

The MRTS currently utilises conventional broad gauge EMU rolling stock that is shared with other suburban lines. Given the incompatibility of this rolling stock with metro standards like absence of low floors for step free access, automatic train control systems and air conditioning, the state government and Chennai Metro Rail have indicated new metro-standard rolling stock will be procured for MRTS.

Interestingly, there was a line of thought to have interoperability of services across Metro and suburban section. Though the proposal was technically feasible, it was decided against it due to challenges in terms of operation, safety, personnel and service issues.

Meanwhile three new platforms for MRTS south of existing Southern Railway platforms will be constructed to serve as a new terminus for MRTS. It will also have a common transit concourse between MRTS and Southern railway platforms. A new building over MRTS station is also being mooted to house ancillary equipment and a primary concourse for originating and terminating passengers accessing the station from Rajaji Salai.

But will the merger be financially viable one? It is learnt a financial assessment was carried out and it was found the services were running with subsidized fares leading to a fiscal deficit. And the minimal fare increase in MRTS may still result in financial losses, says the report.

The report also highlights the assets like all private and Central government land will be taken over and treated as state government land. However, no rolling stock will be taken over as decision was made to procure metro standard rolling stock.

Factfile:

1.  The new Metro-standard rolling stock will be procured for MRTS.

2.   Three new platforms for MRTS south of existing Southern Railway platforms will be constructed to serve as a new terminus for MRTS

3.  The total investment in upgradation of MRTS to Metro standards would be around Rs 2,800 crore to Rs 3,100 crore