The merging of the Mass Rapid Transit System (MRTS) and Chennai Metro Rail has regained speed after a four-year standstill, with Chief Secretary Irai Anbu expected to hold talks on the subject.
After disagreements between the State government and Southern Railway (SR) over the acquisition of property for SR to build a new line between Beach and Park Station in 2018, the merger was put on hold. Official sources are hoping for a breakthrough with the upcoming meeting, which will be headed by the Chief Secretary, as MRTS has been reporting an annual operational deficit of Rs 100 crore.
The move comes after the Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Department announced in the State Assembly about continuous efforts to get approval from the Central government for Chennai Metro to take over the operation and maintenance of MRTS from SR.
