PM Modi to Virtually Inaugurate Chennai's Fourth Railway Line to Ease Congestion
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to inaugurate the 4.3-kilometer fourth railway line between Chennai Beach and Chennai Egmore in a virtual ceremony from Madurai on Sunday. This new infrastructure project is expected to significantly ease congestion and enhance operational efficiency on the critical Chennai Beach–Tambaram corridor, according to railway officials.
Addressing a Longstanding Bottleneck
Until now, suburban, express, and freight trains have had to share just three tracks on this stretch, creating a persistent bottleneck for Southern Railway. A railway official explained, "Sometimes, suburban trains had to be halted to make way for express and freight trains, causing delays and operational challenges." With the addition of a dedicated fourth line, suburban operations are anticipated to become seamless, allowing for increased frequency and smoother service.
The official further noted that express trains traveling towards north India from Tambaram and Chengalpet will no longer be affected by these delays, improving overall rail connectivity and reliability.
Enhancing Terminal Capacity and Project Details
The new line will also boost terminal handling capacity at both Chennai Beach and Egmore stations. Over 200 suburban services typically operate on the Chennai Beach–Tambaram–Chengalpattu section, although this number was temporarily reduced during redevelopment work at Chennai Egmore.
Construction of the fourth line, which began in 2023 at a cost of 274.20 crore rupees, faced delays due to land exchange negotiations with the Indian Navy. During the work, MRTS services between Chennai Beach and Chintadripet were suspended for more than a year to facilitate the project's completion.
Additional Inaugurations Under Amrit Bharat Scheme
In addition to the railway line, Prime Minister Modi will inaugurate eight railway stations developed under the Amrit Bharat scheme. These stations include Morappur, Pollachi Junction, Bommidi, Karaikkudi, Srivilliputhur, Sholavandan, Thiruvarur, and Manaparai, marking a broader effort to modernize India's rail infrastructure.
This initiative is part of ongoing efforts to improve rail networks across the country, addressing congestion and enhancing passenger experience in key urban corridors like Chennai.
