Overview
- Southern Railway begins passenger operations on March 14 after a five‑kilometre extension first initiated in 2008.
- The timetable provides 43 pairs between Chennai Beach and Parangimalai, 2 pairs between Chennai Beach and Velachery, and 3 pairs between Parangimalai and Velachery.
- Track, electrification and signalling works are complete with safety clearance granted under the Commissioner of Railway Safety’s guidelines.
- Freight trials on November 7 and December 15 validated infrastructure performance, with officials reporting successful results.
- Parangimalai is set to function as a hub linking MRTS, Southern suburban rail and Chennai Metro, which officials say should improve connectivity and reduce road traffic.