When safety slips through a gaping hole

When safety slips through a gaping hole A recent fatal accident at the Thirumayilai MRTS railway station has once again highlighted the huge gaps in the maintenance and safety of MRTS stations in Chennai. With the Railway Board giving the go-ahead for handing over the service to CMRL, this report throws light on what needs to be done left Eerie feeling: Vast areas of the Taramani MRTS station remain unused, and the station has become a hub of anti-socials.

B. VELANKANNI RAJ B. VELANKANNI RAJ VELANKANNI RAJ B CHENNAI, TAMIL NADU, 23/10/2026: For TN Sunday Story: The vast station space of the MRTS being unutilized, it has become a place for anti-social activities A scene at Taramani MRTS Railway station on Thursday. Photo: Velankanni Raj B/ THE HINDU When the Mass Rapid Transit System (MRTS) was proposed in the 1970s for Chennai, it was envisioned as the first mass public transport corridor to run on an elevated section in the country, years before the Metro Rail was even an idea in India.

In anticipation of good patronage, humongous railway stations were built in one go, along with various passenger amenities such as escalators, lifts, and toilets. Built in phases, the full MRTS service from Beach to Velachery was launched in November 2007. It was extended to St. Thomas Mount this year. The MRTS project, including the extension, had suffered delays of several decades.