Chennai’s ever-evolving public transport landscape has seen remarkable changes, with the latest edition of the Metro Rail system proving to be a game-changer since its somewhat turbulent initiation in 2015. Initially carrying around 10,000 passengers daily across a 10-km stretch, the system has rapidly evolved to ferry approximately 2.7 lakh commuters daily across a 54-km network.
As the city witnesses the construction of phase II extensions, the Metro Rail’s transformative impact on the urban environment is poised to continue. This lineage of rail transport in Chennai encompasses the nostalgic trams of the past and the Mass Rapid Transit System (MRTS). The debut of the first tram in February 1895 marked the commencement of rail-based public transport in the city, linking Power House, Egmore, and Pachaiyappa’s College.
The MRTS was introduced in November 1995 after overcoming numerous delays, connecting Madras Beach and Chepauk. The construction of MRTS was a multi-phased endeavor, beginning with the initial Madras Beach to Luz segment. While MRTS served to expand rail connectivity, its stations exhibited a worn appearance that sought a modern and efficient alternative. The advent of the Metro Rail met this need, introducing a sleek, clean, and secure mode of transportation that Chennai had been yearning for.