Tamil Nadu: Chennai’s Rail Connectivity To Improve As Three Vande Metro Routes Identified

In a boost to Tamil Nadu's infrastructure, the state might get a few more Vande Bharat Express which could enhance rail connectivity and reduce travel time for commuters across key routes.

Southern Railway (SR) has identified three major routes-Chennai-Gudur, Chennai-Villupuram, and Chennai-Jolarpet-as potential corridors for the city's first Vande Metro train, DT Next reported citing Kaushal Kishore, additional general manager of Southern Railway.

Key Benefits for Tamil Nadu

Enhanced Regional Connectivity

The proposed Vande Metro services will complement the existing network of operational Vande Bharat Express trains in the state, strengthening intra-state and inter-state connectivity. Major cities like Chennai, Coimbatore, Madurai, and Tirunelveli are already served by these semi-high-speed trains, and the addition of Vande Metro will further streamline travel for daily commuters between Chennai and its neighbouring regions.

Boost to Economic Growth

Improved rail infrastructure can catalyze economic activity by facilitating quicker movement of goods and people. Businesses, particularly in industrial corridors like Chennai-Villupuram and Chennai-Gudur, could benefit from reduced transit times and improved logistics. The ease of access to metropolitan hubs may also encourage investments in tier-2 and tier-3 cities.

Current Vande Bharat Services in Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu currently operates eight Vande Bharat Express trains, connecting various parts of the state with major cities in neighboring regions. Notable routes include:

• Chennai Egmore - Tirunelveli
• Nagercoil - Chennai Egmore
• Madurai - Bengaluru Cantonment
• Coimbatore - Chennai Central
• Mysuru - Chennai Central
• Chennai Central - Vijayawada
• Coimbatore - Bengaluru Cantonment
• Chennai Central - Secunderabad

Meanwhile, the state has received a total of Rs 6626 crore in the railway budget for 2025-26. The Southern Railways will utilise the funds to fast-track the ongoing railway projects.

Kishore has said that the long-pending fourth line between Chennai Beach and Egmore will be completed in two months.

• 1,303 km of new tracks laid (comparable to Sri Lanka's entire rail network).
• 2,242 km of tracks were electrified, achieving 94% rail electrification in the state.

Ongoing Projects:

• 22 new track projects covering 2,587 km are underway.
• Total investment of ₹33,467 crore for these projects.

Station Upgrades:

₹2,948 crore was allocated for upgrading 77 railway stations under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme.

Key stations being redeveloped: Chennai Egmore, Madurai, Rameswaram, Katpadi, and Kanyakumari.