CHENNAI: If you are an Mass Rapid Transit System (MRTS) traveller, there is good news for you. The travel experience in the line is set to be redefined as the loud noisy dull and drab coaches of suburban trains are set to be replaced by Chennai Metro rail like coaches.
The State government will have to spend Rs 2,800 crore to Rs 3,100 crore to revive the dull and hollow platforms of MRTS and putting in place new rolling stock and providing the ambience of Metro station, according to a final report prepared by the consultant to study the merger of MRTS with Chennai Metro.
The report is being submitted after the State government initiated the study to understand the feasibility and framework of integrating MRTS with Chennai Metro, the initial phase which was opened in July 2015. PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) and Balaji Railroad Systems carried out the study and two interim reports and a draft final report were already submitted.
Metro Rail sources told Express that the upgraded metro system post-merger of MRTS with Chennai Metro will cost Rs 2,800 crore in a two year period if the ballasted tracks are retained and Rs 3,100 crore if the ballasted tracks are converted. Interestingly, the submission of the report paves the way for preparation of a Detailed Project Report for the merger of MRTS with Chennai Metro.
The MRTS currently utilises conventional broad gauge EMU rolling stock that is shared with other suburban lines. Given the incompatibility of this rolling stock with metro standards like absence of low floors for step-free access, automatic train control systems and air-conditioning, the State government and Chennai Metro Rail have indicated new metro-standard rolling stock will be procured for MRTS.
Interestingly, there was a line of thought to have inter-operability of services across Metro and suburban section. Though the proposal was technically feasible, it was decided against due to challenges in terms of operation, safety, personnel and service issues.
Meanwhile, three new platforms for MRTS, south of existing suburban railway platforms at Chennai Beach, will be constructed to serve as a new terminus for MRTS. It will also have a common transit concourse between MRTS and southern railway platforms. A new building over MRTS station is also being mooted to house ancillary equipment and a primary concourse for originating and terminating passengers accessing the station from Rajaji Salai.
But will the merger be a financially viable one? It is learnt a financial assessment was carried out and it was found the services were running with subsidised fares leading to a fiscal deficit. The minimal fare increase in MRTS may still result in financial losses, says the report.
The report also highlights that assets like all private and Central government lands will be taken over and treated as State government land. However, no rolling stock will be taken over as a decision was made to procure metro standard rolling stock.
New face