A high-speed trial run was conducted between Velachery and St. Thomas Mount in Chennai as part of the MRTS safety certification process. Prior to the trial, a statutory inspection was carried out by Shri Janak Kumar Garg, Chief Commissioner of Railway Safety. The process ensures the newly constructed railway section meets all safety standards before passenger services begin.

Introduction:

The newly constructed Mass Rapid Transit System (MRTS) section between Velachery and St. Thomas Mount in Chennai has taken a major step towards becoming operational. Shri Janak Kumar Garg, Chief Commissioner of Railway Safety (CCRS), New Delhi, conducted the statutory inspection of the new MRTS up and down lines on March 5, 2026.

The inspection forms a crucial part of the safety certification process required before any new railway line is opened to the public. Following the inspection, a high-speed trial run was conducted between Velachery and St. Thomas Mount stations to test the operational readiness and safety of the newly laid tracks.

Statutory Inspection of the MRTS Section:

The statutory inspection was carried out to verify that the entire stretch of the newly constructed MRTS line meets the strict safety standards prescribed by Indian Railways. During the inspection, officials assessed multiple aspects of the rail infrastructure, including track alignment, signalling systems, electrification, and structural components.

The Velachery–St. Thomas Mount section forms a critical extension of Chennai’s MRTS network and is expected to significantly improve connectivity in the southern parts of the city.

Key highlights of the inspection include:

This detailed evaluation ensures that every kilometre of the line is safe and capable of handling regular passenger train operations.

High-Speed Trial Run Conducted:

As part of the inspection process, the Chief Commissioner of Railway Safety also conducted a high-speed trial run on the Velachery–St. Thomas Mount section. The trial run took place between 13:30 hrs and 18:00 hrs on March 5, 2026.

The trial run plays an important role in testing the performance and stability of the railway tracks under operational conditions. It also helps evaluate braking systems, track strength, and overall train performance.

The successful completion of the high-speed trial run indicates that the section has progressed significantly toward receiving safety clearance for passenger services.

Importance for Chennai’s Rail Network:

The Velachery–St. Thomas Mount MRTS extension is expected to enhance urban rail connectivity in Chennai. Once operational, the line will improve travel options for commuters and help ease congestion on city roads.

The project is particularly significant because St. Thomas Mount is a major interchange point connecting MRTS services with suburban rail and metro networks. This integration will provide passengers with better access to multiple modes of public transport.

Safety Measures During Trial Operations:

During the inspection and trial run, railway officials closely monitored operational conditions across the Velachery–St. Thomas Mount stretch to ensure the line functions safely under real-time running conditions. The inspection team evaluated track stability, train handling, and system performance while maintaining strict operational protocols. These measures are part of the comprehensive certification process required before introducing passenger services on newly constructed railway infrastructure.

Conclusion:

The successful statutory inspection and high-speed trial run mark a significant milestone for the Velachery–St. Thomas Mount MRTS extension. Once safety clearance is finalized, the section is expected to open for passenger services, strengthening Chennai’s urban rail connectivity and providing faster, safer travel for daily commuters across the city.

Source: Southern Railway – Press Release | Image Credit: Southern Railway

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