2 min readMay 23, 2026 02:03 PM IST
Chennai suburban railway network: To ease train operations on the Chennai suburban network, the Ministry of Railways has approved a doubling project worth Rs 993 crore. Once completed, the project is expected to enhance the safety, speed of trains. It will also increase rail capacity on the route, improve operational flexibility and train punctuality.
Chennai suburban railway expansion: Doubling project approved in Tamil Nadu
On May 19, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw approved the doubling project between Arakkonam and Chengalpattu. The 68-km-long section is a part of the Chennai suburban circular rail network connecting Chennai Beach, Tambaram, Chengalpattu and Arakkonam. It falls under the administrative control of Southern Railway (SR) zone.
Arakkonam-Chengalpattu railway line doubling project
The Arakkonam-Chengalpattu railway line doubling project is also likely to strengthen both passenger and freight movement across the corridor, benefiting transportation of key commodities including cement, automobiles, food grains, iron and steel.
According to the Railways, the existing single-line section is currently operating at a high level of capacity utilisation, and traffic is expected to rise further in the coming years, necessitating additional infrastructure augmentation.
“The doubling work will help reduce detention time of trains, improve punctuality and increase the frequency of suburban services,” it said.
Arakkonam-Chengalpattu train route
The Arakkonam-Chengalpattu train route serves several key economic and industrial hubs, including Mahindra World City, Sriperumbudur, Oragadam and Irungattukottai, besides serving major automobile, cement and manufacturing industries. Apart from this, the proposed Parandur Airport project near Kancheepuram is also located close to the alignment.
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