The Tamil Nadu government continues to wait for the approval of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) from the Railway Board for two months now with regard to the Chennai Metro Rail Limited’s (CMRL) takeover of the Mass Rapid Transit System (MRTS). The takeover was mooted many years back to revamp the MRTS and enhance passenger experience among other reasons.

A year has passed since the Railway Board accorded in-principle approval for handing over the assets, operation and maintenance of MRTS to the Tamil Nadu government. But till today, the takeover process is unable to take off as the MoU hasn’t been signed between the State government and the Southern Railway. Initially, it was expected that the approval may come by July end, but now, it is learnt that the approval for the MoU may take another four weeks, a source said.

A few days ago, DMK MP P. Wilson had asked in the Rajya Sabha whether the government had received a proposal from the Government of Tamil Nadu for the revamp, transfer and integration of the CMRL with MRTS and the funds sought and sanctioned for the project. To which, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said that the in-principle approval has been given and the Ministry of Railways has received a detailed MoU in this regard.

Commuters who have been urging for the expeditious completion of the takeover process are bitterly disappointed over the delay. As such, the MRTS trains and stations are likely to witness an upgrade only a year and half after the commencement of the takeover process.

T. Gunaseelan, a frequent MRTS commuter said, such procedural delays only end inconveniencing the common man. “Commuters like me are dissatisfied with many passenger amenities in the MRTS system. We have been enduring such shortcomings for years now. Our hope is that when CMRL steps in, many existing issues will be ironed out and we will have a better travel experience in the MRTS system,” he added.

Published - August 04, 2026 07:38 pm IST