NE INFRASTRUCTURE BUREAU
CHENNAI, OCT 24
In a major boost to Tamil Nadu’s industrial and transport infrastructure, Union Minister for Railways Ashwini Vaishnaw has approved the construction of a 4th Railway Line between Tambaram and Chengalpattu (30.02 km) at a present cost of ₹713.56 crore and an estimated completion cost of ₹757.18 crore. The project, to be executed by Southern Railway under Plan Head–15 (Doubling), is part of the ‘Energy, Mineral & Cement Corridor’ of Indian Railways.
The Tambaram–Chengalpattu section, a critical stretch on the Chennai Beach–Villupuram–Tiruchchirappalli–Kanyakumari mainline, currently operates on three lines and carries dense suburban, mail/express, and freight traffic. With capacity utilization already at 87%, and projected to surge to 136% without intervention, the new line will ease congestion, enhance punctuality, and enable suburban expansion up to Chengalpattu.
- ₹757-Crore project to ease congestion, boost freight movement and enhance connectivity to Southern Districts
- Will catalyse industrial expansion in Chennai’s Southern Corridor, strengthen linkages to SIPCOT hubs and the upcoming airport
- The project, to be executed by Southern Railway under Plan Head–15 (Doubling), is part of the ‘Energy, Mineral & Cement Corridor’ of Indian Railways.
Key Benefits for Tamil Nadu’s Growth Corridor
- Industrial Boost: The project will serve multiple SIPCOT industrial hubs across Oragadam, Padappai, and Kanchipuram, expected to generate 1.344 million tonnes of additional freight annually, yielding ₹157 crore in extra revenue. This will catalyse logistics efficiency and attract new investments.
- Improved Suburban Mobility: The fourth line will be a boon for daily commuters, IT professionals, students, and government employees across Tambaram, Guduvancheri, Chengalpattu, and Sriperumbudur, improving travel reliability and reducing delays.
- Enhanced Connectivity: The new line will support smooth operations to the upcoming Kilambakkam railway station and integrated bus terminal, strengthening intermodal transport. It will also meet rising demand from the proposed airport near Kanchipuram.
- Operational Efficiency: Once Tambaram is developed as a major coaching terminal, the additional line will enable segregation of suburban and express trains, reducing travel time and boosting passenger comfort.
This capacity augmentation project, endorsed by the Railway Board’s top leadership, underscores the Union Government’s commitment to accelerating Tamil Nadu’s industrial and transport development through sustainable rail infrastructure expansion.
