Tamil NaduSunday, 12 July 2026·The Hindu - Tamil Nadu
Tamil Nadu seeks Central funding for ₹6,600-crore MRTS rejuvenation in Chennai
The State has sought Centre support for a ₹6,600-crore MRTS rejuvenation project in Chennai, linked to the CMRL takeover plan.
Key highlights
Direct fact
In July 2026, the Tamil Nadu government wrote to the Union government seeking funds and loan assistance for a ₹6,600-crore ‘MRTS Rejuvenation’ project in Chennai, with the aim of upgrading the Mass Rapid Transit System to Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) standards.
Key specifics
- The estimated cost of the MRTS rejuvenation project is nearly ₹6,600 crore.
- The State wants the project treated as a ‘Central sector’ project.
- The preliminary project report has been sent to the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA).
- The Railway Board cleared the CMRL takeover of MRTS in July 2025.
- The takeover can begin only after the MoU is signed between Southern Railway and the Tamil Nadu government.
Exam lens
Question type: governance and infrastructure match-the-following, MRTS, CMRL, MoHUA, Railway Board, ₹6,600 crore — a TNPSC-style question on Chennai transport modernisation and Centre-State coordination.