Chennai Central railway station: Difference between revisions

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{{short description|Railway terminus in the city of Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India}}
{{short description|Railway terminus in Tamil Nadu, India}}
{{redirect|Chennai Central|other uses}}
{{redirect|Madras Central|the poem by Vijay Nambisan|Madras Central (poem)}}
{{redirect|Madras Central|the poem by Vijay Nambisan|Madras Central (poem)}}
{{redirect|Chennai Central|other uses}}
{{Use Indian English|date=May 2024}}
{{Use Indian English|date=September 2021}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2024}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2023}}
{{Infobox station
{{Infobox station
| style              = Indian Railways
| style              = Indian Railways
| name              = Chennai Central
| name              = Chennai Central <br/> Puratchi Thalaivar Dr. M.G. Ramachandran Central Railway Station
| native_name        = <hr/>Puratchi Thalaivar Dr. M.G. Ramachandran Central Railway Station
| other_name        = {{ubl |Chennai Central |Madras Central |M.G.R. Chennai Central}}
| type              = [[File:Indian_Railways_Suburban_Railway_Logo.svg|30px]] [[Indian Railways]] and [[Chennai Suburban Railway]] station
| native_name_lang  =
| other_name        = M.G.R. Chennai Central, Chennai Central, Madras Central
| image              = Chennai Central .jpg
| image              = File:Chennai Central D.jpg
| image_caption      = Front facade of Chennai Central
| image_caption      = Main entrance of Chennai Central
| address            = [[Poonamallee High Road]], [[Periamet]], [[Chennai]]
| address            = Grand Western Trunk Road,<br/>Kannappar Thidal, Periyamet,<br/>[[Chennai]], [[Tamil Nadu]], 600003
| system            = {{ubl|[[Indian Railways]]|[[Chennai Suburban Railway]]}}
| country            = {{flagu|India}}
| country            = India
| coordinates        = {{coord|13.0825|80.2750|type:railwaystation_region:IN|format=dms|display=inline,title}}
| coordinates        = {{coord|13.0825|80.2750|type:railwaystation_region:IN|format=dms|display=inline,title}}
| elevation          = {{convert|3.465|m|ft}}
| elevation          = {{cvt|3.465|m|ft}}
| owned              = Government of India
| owned              = [[Ministry of Railways (India)|Ministry of Railways]], [[Government of India]]
| operator          = [[Southern Railway zone]] of [[Indian Railways]]
| operator          = [[Indian Railways]]
| line              = [[New Delhi–Chennai main line|Chennai–New Delhi]]<br />[[Howrah–Chennai main line|Chennai–Howrah]]<br />[[Mumbai–Chennai line|Chennai–Mumbai]]<br />[[Chennai Central–Bangalore City line|Chennai–Bengaluru]]
| line              = {{ubl |[[Chennai Central–Bangalore City line|Chennai–Bengaluru]] |[[Howrah–Chennai main line|Chennai–Howrah]] |[[Mumbai–Chennai line|Chennai–Mumbai]] |[[New Delhi–Chennai main line|Chennai–New Delhi]]}}
| platform          = 17<br/>(12 Main station + 5 [[Moore Market Complex railway station|Chennai Suburban Terminal]])
| platform          = 17<br/>(12 main station + 5 [[Moore Market Complex railway station|Chennai Suburban Terminal]])
| tracks            = 17
| tracks            =  
| other              = [[Metropolitan Transport Corporation (Chennai)|MTC]], [[Chennai Suburban Railway|Suburban Rail]], [[Chennai Mass Rapid Transit System|MRTS]], [[Puratchi Thalaivar Dr. M.G. Ramachandran Central metro station|Dr. M.G.R. Chennai Central Metro]].
| other              = {{ubl |[[Metropolitan Transport Corporation (Chennai)|MTC]] |
| structure         = [[Romanesque Revival architecture|Romanesque]]<ref name="shodhmas">{{cite web |title=ORIGIN AND DEVELOPMENT OF SOUTHERN RAILWAY |url=http://shodhganga.inflibnet.ac.in/bitstream/10603/12705/10/10_chapter%202.pdf |work=Shodhganga |access-date=25 December 2013 |page=6}}</ref>
[[File:Indian Railways Suburban Railway Logo.svg|20px|up|link=Chennai Suburban Railway]] [[Chennai Suburban]] ([[Chennai Park railway station|Park]]) | [[File:Indian Railways Suburban Railway Logo.svg|20px|up|link=Chennai Suburban Railway]] [[Chennai MRTS]] ([[Chennai Park Town railway station|Park Town]]) |{{ric|Chennai Metro}} {{rcb|Chennai Metro|Blue|croute}} {{rcb|Chennai Metro|Green|croute}} ([[Puratchi Thalaivar Dr. M.G. Ramachandran Central metro station|Central]])}}
| architect         = {{ubl|George Harding |[[Robert Chisholm (architect)|Robert Chisholm]]}}
| architectural_style = {{ubl |[[Gothic Revival architecture|Gothic Revival]] |[[Romanesque Revival architecture|Romanesque]]<ref>{{cite web |title=Origin and development of Southern Railway |url=http://shodhganga.inflibnet.ac.in/bitstream/10603/12705/10/10_chapter%202.pdf |work=Shodhganga |access-date=25 December 2013 |page=6}}</ref>}}
| parking            = Available
| parking            = Available
| ADA                = {{Access icon|20px}}
| accessible        = {{Access icon|20px}}
| status            = Functioning
| status            = Operational
| code              = {{Indian railway code
| code              = {{Indian railway code
   | code = MAS
   | code = MAS<ref>{{cite web |title=Station Code Index |url=https://indianrailways.gov.in/railwayboard/uploads/directorate/coaching/TAG_2023-24/Station_Code_Index.pdf |publisher=Centre For Railway Information Systems |access-date=23 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240216225807/https://indianrailways.gov.in/railwayboard/uploads/directorate/coaching/TAG_2023-24/Station_Code_Index.pdf |archive-date=16 February 2024 |page=5 |date=2023–24}}</ref>
   | zone = [[Southern Railway zone]]
   | zone = [[Southern Railway zone]]
   | division = {{rwd|Chennai}}
   | division = {{rwd|Chennai}}
   }}
   }}
| opened            = {{start date and age|df=yes|1873}}<ref>{{cite web |title=IR History: Early Days – I |work=IRFCA |url=http://irfca.org/faq/faq-hist.html |access-date=26 November 2012}}</ref>
| opened            = {{start date and age|df=yes|1873}}
| closed            =  
| closed            =  
| rebuilt            = {{start date and age|df=yes|1959}} (''first'')<br />{{start date and age|df=yes|1998}} (''second'')
| rebuilt            =
| electrified        = {{start date and age|df=yes|1931}}<ref>{{cite web |title=Electric Traction-I |work=IRFCA |url=http://irfca.org/faq/faq-elec.html#vol |access-date=26 November 2012}}</ref>
| electrified        = {{start date and age|df=yes|1931}}
| former            = * Madras Central (1873–1996)
| former            =  
* Chennai Central (1996–2019)
| passengers        = 730,000 per day (2023)<ref name="TNIE">{{cite news |last1=Anbuselvan |first1=B. |title=Chennai Central becomes India's first 'silent' railway station |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/chennai/2023/Feb/27/chennai-central-becomes-indias-first-silent-railway-station-2551344.html |access-date=7 May 2024 |work=[[The New Indian Express]] |date=27 February 2023 }}</ref>
| passengers        = 6,50,000/day
| pass_system        =
| pass_year          =  
| pass_year          =  
| pass_percent      =  
| pass_percent      =  
| services          = [[File:Feature ticket office.svg|20px|Computerized Ticketing Counters]] [[File:Baggage claim ecomo.svg|20px|Luggage Checking System]] [[File:Feature parking.svg|20px|Parking]] [[File:Feature accessible.svg|20px|Disabled Access]] [[File:SymbolCoffeeShop.svg|20px|Food Plaza]] [[File:AB-Autobahnkiosk.svg|20px|Kiosks]] [[File:Aseos Públicos.jpg|20px|WC]] [[File:Aiga taxi.svg|20px|Taxi Stand]] [[File:Feature suburban buses.svg|20px|Public Transportation]] {{rint|metro}}
| services          = {{ubl|200 [[Express trains in India|Mail/Express]]|1000 [[Chennai Suburban|Suburban]]/[[Multiple units of India|MU]]}} per day (2023)<ref name="TNIE"/>
| map_type          = India Chennai
| map_type          = India Chennai
| mapframe          = yes
| mapframe          = yes
| mapframe-caption  = Interactive map
| mapframe-caption  = Interactive map
}}
}}
'''Chennai Central''', officially '''Puratchi Thalaivar Dr. M.G. Ramachandran Central Railway Station''', and formerly known as '''Madras Central''' (station code: '''MAS'''), is the main [[railway terminus]] in the city of [[Chennai]], [[Tamil Nadu]], [[India]]. It is the busiest railway station in [[South India]] and one of the most important hubs in the country. It is connected to [[Moore Market Complex railway station]], [[Chennai Central metro station]], [[Chennai Park railway station]], and [[Chennai Park Town railway station]]. It is about {{convert|1.8|km|abbr=on}} from the [[Chennai Egmore railway station]]. The terminus connects the city to northern India, including [[Kolkata]], [[Mumbai]], and [[New Delhi]], and all the different parts of India.
'''Chennai Central''' (officially '''Puratchi Thalaivar Dr. M.G. Ramachandran Central Railway Station''', formerly '''Madras Central''') (station code: '''MAS'''), is a [[Railway stations in Chennai|railway station]] in [[Chennai]], India. It is one of the busiest railway stations in [[South India]], being the second largest revenue generating station in India and is a major rail hub in the country.<ref name="Data">{{cite report|url=https://railway-stations-classification.pages.dev/|title=Indian Railways Station Classification, Revenue, and Footfall data for 2024|work=[[Indian Railways]]|access-date=1 June 2025}}</ref> It is classified as a [[Categorization of Indian Railway stations by commercial importance|NSG–1]] category station and comes under the purview of the [[Chennai railway division]] of the [[Southern Railway zone]] of the [[Indian Railways]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Southern Railway List of Stations |url=https://sr.indianrailways.gov.in/cris//uploads/files/1686913242750-SR%20-LIST%20OF%20STATIONS-2023.pdf |publisher=Centre For Railway Information Systems |access-date=23 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240323095403/https://sr.indianrailways.gov.in/cris//uploads/files/1686913242750-SR%20-LIST%20OF%20STATIONS-2023.pdf |archive-date=23 March 2024 |page=1 |date=1 April 2023}}</ref> It is situated in the neighbourhood of [[Periamet]], with the main entrance situated on the [[EVR Periyar Salai|Poonamallee High road]]. It caters to various inter-city [[Express trains in India|express trains]], with [[Multiple units of India|multiple units]], and [[Chennai suburban|suburban]] services operating from the adjacent [[Moore Market Complex railway station|suburban terminal]].


The century-old building of the railway station, designed by architect George Harding, is one of the most prominent landmarks in Chennai.<ref name="Hindu_LongHistoryOfService" /> The station is also a main hub for the [[Chennai Suburban Railway]] system. It lies adjacent to the current [[Southern Railway headquarters, Chennai|headquarters]] of the [[Southern Railway zone|Southern Railway]] and the [[Ripon Building]]. During the [[British Raj]], the station served as the gateway to South India, and the station is still used as a landmark for the city and the state.
The Madras Central station was built in 1873 and became the terminus of the [[Madras Railway]] in the city. The building was designed by architect George Harding and was further modified as per the design of [[Robert Chisholm (architect)|Robert Chisholm]] in 1900. Designed in a mixed [[Gothic Revival architecture|Gothic Revival]] and [[Romanesque Revival architecture|Romanesque architecture]], it is one of the [[Heritage structures in Chennai|prominent landmarks]] in Chennai. The station had undergone a series of renovations since then. It became part of the [[Madras and Southern Mahratta Railway]] in 1908, and later as a part of the Southern Railway zone of the Indian Railways in 1951. The station underwent modifications and expansions in 1959.


The station was renamed twice: first to reflect the [[List of renamed places in India|name change]] of the city from Madras to Chennai in 1998, it was renamed from ''Madras Central'' to ''Chennai Central'', and then to honor the [[AIADMK]] founder and the former [[chief minister of Tamil Nadu]] [[M. G. Ramachandran]], it was renamed as ''Puratchi Thalaivar Dr. M.G. Ramachandran Central Railway Station'' on 5 April 2019.<ref name="Hindustan Times">{{cite news |last1=M |first1=Manikandan |title=Chennai Central railway station renamed after AIADMK founder MGR |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/chennai-central-railway-station-renamed-after-aiadmk-founder-mgr/story-BbpgnA17d5GCUPtsFxwpIN.html |access-date=16 April 2019 |work=Hindustan Times |date=5 April 2019}}</ref>
The railway lines at the station was [[Railway electrification|electrified]] in 1979. The Moore Market Complex, adjacent to the main terminal, was opened in 1986 to accommodate suburban services, and ticket offices. The station underwent further expansion in 1998, with the addition of a new building to the west. It was renamed to Chennai Central in 1998 to reflect the [[List of renamed places in India|name change]] of the city from Madras to Chennai in 1996. It was rechristened in honour of former chief minister [[M. G. Ramachandran]] on 5 April 2019. After the renaming, it became the second-longest name of a railway station after the station at [[Llanfairpwllgwyngyll|Llanfair]] in [[Wales]].<ref>{{cite news|last1=Nanisetti|first1=Serish|title=Chennai Central loses the honour of having longest railway station name by 1 letter|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/chennai-central-loses-the-honour-of-having-longest-railway-station-name-by-1-letter/article26831709.ece|access-date=16 April 2019|work=[[The Hindu]]|date=14 April 2019}}</ref>


About 550,000 passengers use the terminus every day, making it the busiest railway station in South India.<ref name="DC_CentralLacksWaterFacility" /> Along with Chennai Egmore and [[Coimbatore Junction railway station|Coimbatore Junction]], the Puratchi Thalaivar Dr. M.G. Ramachandran Central is among the most profitable stations of the [[Southern Railway zone|Southern Railway]].<ref name="Profitable">{{cite web |title=Southern Railway |publisher=Yatra.com |url=http://www.yaatraa.in/southern-railways.html |access-date=7 November 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120713005901/http://www.yaatraa.in/southern-railways.html |archive-date=13 July 2012 }}</ref> As per a report published in 2007 by the [[Indian Railways]], Puratchi Thalaivar Dr. M.G. Ramachandran Central and [[Secunderabad Junction railway station|Secunderabad Junction]] were awarded 183 points out of a maximum of 300 for cleanliness, the highest in the country.<ref name="cleanlinessreport_2007" />
{{As of|2024}}, it is the third highest revenue earning station of the Indian Railways.<ref name="Data"/> As per a 2007 report published by the Indian Railways, the station was rated as one of the cleanest in South India.<ref name="Clean">{{cite web |title=Cleanliness and Sanitation on Indian Railways |work=[[Indian Railways]] |url=http://saiindia.gov.in/english/home/Our_Products/Audit_Report/Government_Wise/union_audit/recent_reports/union_performance/2006_2007/Railways/Report_no_6/chap_2.pdf |access-date=19 November 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140424062153/http://saiindia.gov.in/english/home/Our_Products/Audit_report/Government_Wise/union_audit/recent_reports/union_performance/2006_2007/Railways/Report_no_6/chap_2.pdf |archive-date=24 April 2014 }}</ref>


== History ==
== History ==
{{multiple image
=== Construction and early development ===
| align = left
[[File:Central Railway Station, Madras 1880.jpg|thumb|left|Central station as seen from the [[Buckingham Canal]] {{circa|1880}}]]
| direction = vertical
| image1 = Central Railway Station, Madras 1880.jpg
| caption1 = Central Station seen from the western banks of the Buckingham Canal, {{Circa|1880}}
| image2 = The Central Station, Chennai.jpeg
| caption2 = Chennai Central station, {{Circa|1905}}
| image3 = Central Station, Madras - Tuck Oilette 1911.jpg
| caption3 = Central Station, Madras – [[Raphael Tuck & Sons|Tucks]] Oilette (1911)<ref name="Tucks">{{cite web |title=Madras Series A: Central Station |url=http://www.tuckdb.org/postcards/87893 |website=TuckDB |access-date=24 January 2015}}</ref>
}}
Marking the initial days of the railways in the [[Indian subcontinent]], the Madras Railway Company began to network South India in 1856. The first station was built at [[Royapuram]], which remained the main station at that time. Expansion of the Madras Railways network, particularly the completion of the Madras–[[Vyasarpadi]] line,<ref name="Hindu_RailwayOfTheSouth">{{cite news |title=The Railway of the South |location=Chennai |date=5 March 2003 |url=http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/mp/2003/03/05/stories/2003030500200300.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20031116035753/http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/mp/2003/03/05/stories/2003030500200300.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=16 November 2003 |newspaper=[[The Hindu]] |access-date=6 November 2012}}</ref> called for a second station in Madras, resulting in Madras Central coming into being.<ref name="Hindu_LongHistoryOfService" />


Madras Central was built in 1873 at [[Park Town, Chennai|Park Town]] around the slopes of [[Periamet]], then known as ''Narimedu'' or ''Hog's Hill'',<ref name="SriramV">{{cite web | url = https://sriramv.com/2015/02/23/a-brief-history-of-the-general-hospital-a-chennai-landmark/ | title = A brief history of the General Hospital – a Chennai landmark | last = Sriram | first = V. | date = 23 February 2015 | website = Madras Heritage and Carnatic Music | publisher = V. Sriram | access-date = 30 December 2022 | quote = }}</ref> as a second terminus to decongest the [[Royapuram railway station|Royapuram harbor station]], which was being used for [[Chennai Port|port]] movements. The station was built on the open grounds that had once been called ''John Pereira's Gardens'', belonging to Joao Pereira de Faria (John Pereira), a [[Portuguese people|Portuguese]] merchant in the port town of Negapatam (present-day [[Nagapattinam]]) who settled in Madras in 1660. The garden had a house used by Pereira for rest and recreation. Having fallen into disuse, the garden had become a gaming den, with [[Cockfight#India|cockfighting]] being the favourite sport at that time, until when the Trinity Chapel was built nearby in 1831 and the Railways moved into the area in the 1870s.<ref name="Hindu_RailwayOfTheSouth" />
The first railway line in India became operational in [[Madras]] in 1837.<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=sOILAQAAMAAJ|title=Reports, Correspondence and Original Papers on Various Professional Subjects Connected with the Duties of the Corps of Engineers, Madras Presidency|last1=Smith|first1=John Thomas|year=1839|publisher=R. W. Thorpe|access-date=17 March 2023|archive-date=13 July 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230713020727/https://books.google.com/books?id=sOILAQAAMAAJ|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Hist">{{cite report|url=https://www.indianrailways.gov.in/railwayboard/uploads/directorate/Heritage/2021/PDF/3%20Presentation%20Shradha%20Arora%20IRICEN%202019.pdf|title=Understanding Indian Railway Heritage|publisher=Indian Railways|page=6|access-date=1 December 2023|archive-date=26 December 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231226101121/https://indianrailways.gov.in/railwayboard/uploads/directorate/Heritage/2021/PDF/3%20Presentation%20Shradha%20Arora%20IRICEN%202019.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="FR">{{cite news|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/chennai/2018/apr/16/chennai-the-track-record-1801999.html|title=Chennai: The track record|date=16 April 2018|newspaper=[[New Indian Express]]|access-date=9 August 2023|archive-date=12 August 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230812065026/https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/chennai/2018/apr/16/chennai-the-track-record-1801999.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The [[Madras Railway]] was established in 1845,<ref name="Hist"/> and the first main line in [[South India]] between [[Royapuram]] and [[Arcot]] became operational on 1 July 1856.<ref>{{cite news |url= https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/on-the-forgotten-track/articleshow/99129882.cms?from=mdr |title=On Forgotten Road |date=31 March 2013 |newspaper=[[The Times of India]] |access-date=9 August 2023 |archive-date=12 August 2023 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20230812065104/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/on-the-forgotten-track/articleshow/99129882.cms?from=mdr |url-status=live}}</ref> The extension of the line to [[Vyasarpadi]], required a second station in Madras.<ref name="South">{{cite web |title=The Railway of the South |date=5 March 2003 |url=http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/mp/2003/03/05/stories/2003030500200300.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20031116035753/http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/mp/2003/03/05/stories/2003030500200300.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=16 November 2003 |work=[[The Hindu]] |access-date=6 November 2012}}</ref><ref name="History">{{cite web |last=Kurian |first=Nimi |title=Long history of service |date=18 August 2006 |url=http://www.hindu.com/yw/2006/08/18/stories/2006081803360100.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060820133544/http://www.hindu.com/yw/2006/08/18/stories/2006081803360100.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=20 August 2006 |work=[[The Hindu]] |access-date=3 November 2012}}</ref>  


In 1907, Madras Central was made the Madras Railway Company's main station.<ref name="Hindu_IntegratingTransport">{{cite news |last=Muthiah |first=S. |title=Integrating transport |newspaper=The Hindu |location=Chennai |date=6 May 2012 |url=http://www.thehindu.com/arts/history-and-culture/article3390781.ece |access-date=3 November 2012}}</ref> The station gained prominence after the beach line was extended further south in the same year, and Royapuram was no longer a terminus for Madras.<ref>{{cite news |title=The South's first station |url=http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/mp/2003/02/26/stories/2003022600240300.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030702084613/http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/mp/2003/02/26/stories/2003022600240300.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=2 July 2003 |access-date=12 November 2012 |date=26 February 2003 |newspaper=[[The Hindu]] |location=Chennai}}</ref> All trains were then terminated at Madras Central instead. The Madras and Southern Mahratta Railway Company was formed in 1908 and took over the Central station from the Madras Railway Company.<ref name="Hindu_IntegratingTransport" /> The station's position was further strengthened after the construction of the headquarters of the [[Madras and Southern Mahratta Railway]] (erstwhile Madras Railway and now known as the Southern Railway) adjacent to it in 1922.<ref name="r">{{cite web |url=http://www.indianrailways.gov.in/financecode/ADMIN_FINANCE/AdminFinanceCh1_Data.htm |title=Chapter 1 – Evolution of Indian Railways-Historical Background |publisher=Ministry of Railways website |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090601024404/http://www.indianrailways.gov.in/financecode/ADMIN_FINANCE/AdminFinanceCh1_Data.htm |archive-date=1 June 2009}}</ref>
In 1873, Madras Central was established as a second terminus to decongest the [[Royapuram railway station|Royapuram station]], which was later used for [[Chennai Port|port]] movements. The station with four platforms, was built at [[Park Town, Chennai|Park Town]] around the slopes of [[Periamet]]. It came up on an open area, which was once owned by Joao Pereira, a [[Portuguese India|Portuguese]] merchant, who settled in Madras in the 17th century CE, and later fell into disuse.<ref name="South"/><ref name="History"/> The station underwent further modifications, which were completed in 1900.<ref name="History"/>  


Madras Central was part of [[South Indian Railway Company]] during the [[British Raj|British rule]]. The company was established in 1890 and was initially headquartered in [[Tiruchirappalli|Trichinopoly]]. Egmore railway station was made its northern terminus in 1908.<ref name="Hindu_IntegratingTransport" /> It was then shifted to [[Madurai]] and later to Madras Central. With the opening of the Egmore railway station, plans were first made of linking Madras Central and Egmore, which was later dropped.<ref name="Hindu_IntegratingTransport" /> The company operated a suburban electric train service for Madras city from May 1931 onwards in the [[Chennai Beach|Madras Beach]]–[[Tambaram]] section.<ref name="reportp260">{{cite book |title=Report on the Administration of the Madras Presidency During the Year 1875–76 |page=260 |publisher=Government Press |year=1877}}</ref> In 1959, additional changes were made to the station.<ref name="Hindu_LongHistoryOfService" /> Electrification of the lines at the station began in 1979, when the section up to [[Gummidipoondi]] was electrified on 13 April 1979. The lines up to [[Tiruvallur]] were electrified on 29 November 1979 while the tracks along Platforms 1 to 7 were electrified on 29 December 1979.<ref name="IRFCA_HistoryOfElectrification">{{cite web |title=IR Electrification Chronology up to 31 March 2004 |work=History of Electrification |publisher=IRFCA.org |url=http://irfca.org/docs/electrification-history.html |access-date=17 November 2012}}</ref>
[[File:Central Station, Madras - Tuck Oilette 1911.jpg|thumb|left|Central station [[Raphael Tuck & Sons|Tucks]] Oilette (1911)<ref name="Tucks">{{cite web |title=Madras Series A: Central Station |url=http://www.tuckdb.org/postcards/87893 |work=TuckDB |access-date=24 January 2015}}</ref>]]


=== Expansion ===
In 1907, the Madras Central station became the main terminus of the Madras Railway,<ref name="Transport">{{cite web |last=Muthiah |first=S. |title=Integrating transport |work=[[The Hindu]] |date=6 May 2012 |url=http://www.thehindu.com/arts/history-and-culture/article3390781.ece |access-date=3 November 2012}}</ref> after the line from [[Chennai Beach railway station|beach]] was extended further south, and trains were then terminated at the station rather than Royapuram. The [[Madras and Southern Mahratta Railway]] was formed in 1908 and took over the administration of the station from the Madras Railway.<ref name="History"/><ref>{{cite web |title=The South's first station |url=http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/mp/2003/02/26/stories/2003022600240300.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030702084613/http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/mp/2003/02/26/stories/2003022600240300.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=2 July 2003 |access-date=12 November 2012 |date=26 February 2003 |work=[[The Hindu]] }}</ref> The headquarters of the railway company was built adjacent to the station in 1922.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.indianrailways.gov.in/financecode/ADMIN_FINANCE/AdminFinanceCh1_Data.htm |title=Evolution of Indian Railways-Historical Background |publisher=[[Ministry of Railways (India)|Ministry of Railways]] |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090601024404/http://www.indianrailways.gov.in/financecode/ADMIN_FINANCE/AdminFinanceCh1_Data.htm |archive-date=1 June 2009}}</ref> With the opening of the [[Chennai Egmore railway station]] in 1908, plans were made to link Madras Central and Egmore.<ref name="Transport"/> In 1931, [[electric traction]] was introduced on the [[Chennai suburban|suburban]] route Madras beach and [[Tambaram railway station|Tambaram]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.core.indianrailways.gov.in/view_section.jsp?lang=0&id=0,294,302,532 |title=Brief on Railway Electrification |work=[[Indian Railways]] |access-date=1 November 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150926072829/http://www.core.indianrailways.gov.in/view_section.jsp?lang=0&id=0,294,302,532 |archive-date=26 September 2015 |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Report on the Administration of the Madras Presidency During the Year 1875–76 |page=260 |publisher=Government Press |year=1877}}</ref>  
In the 1980s, the Southern Railway required land for expansion of the terminus and was looking for the erstwhile [[Moore Market]] building located next to the terminus. In 1985, when the market building caught fire and was destroyed, the structure was transferred to the Railways by the government, and the Railways built a 13-storied complex to house the suburban terminus and railway reservation counter. The land in front of the building was made into a car park.<ref>{{cite news |last=Sriram |first=V. |title=To market, to market... |newspaper=India Today |location=Chennai |date=10 October 2008 |url=http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/In+the+city/1/17270.html |access-date=29 November 2012}}</ref> Following the renaming of the city of Madras in 1996, the station became known as Chennai Central. Due to increasing passenger movement, the main building was extended in 1998 with the addition of a new building on the western side with a similar architecture to the original. After this duplication of the main building, the station had 12 platforms.<ref name="Hindu_LongHistoryOfService" /> Capacity at the station was further augmented when the multi-storeyed [[Moore Market Complex]] was made a dedicated terminus with three separate platforms for the [[Chennai Suburban Railway]] system. In the 1990s, when the IRCTC was formed, modular stalls came up and food plazas were set up.<ref name="TOI_OnTheTrack" />


In 2005, the buildings were painted a light brown colour, but concurring with the views of a campaign by the citizens of Chennai and also to retain the old nostalgic charm, they were repainted in their original brick-red color.<ref>{{cite news |author=Vydhianathan |first=S. |date=7 March 2005 |title=Chennai Central gets back its brick-red colour |newspaper=[[The Hindu]] |url=http://www.hindu.com/2005/03/07/stories/2005030712000300.htm |url-status=dead |access-date=12 November 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050309041955/http://www.hindu.com/2005/03/07/stories/2005030712000300.htm |archive-date=9 March 2005}}</ref> The station is the first in India to be placed on the cyber map.<ref name="Hindu_LongHistoryOfService" />
=== Expansion and further development ===
[[File:Chennai central suburban station building aerial view.jpg|thumb|left|The suburban terminal at [[Moore Market Complex]] (left), added in 1986, with platforms of the main terminal (right)]]


== Location ==
In 1951, the station became part of the [[Southern Railway zone]] of the [[Indian Railways]]. In 1959, the station was expanded and additional changes were made to the layout.<ref name="History"/> The [[Railway electrification|electrifiction]] of the main lines at the station began in 1979, with the tracks along the seven platforms electrified on 29 December 1979.<ref>{{cite web |title=History of Electrification |work=IRFCA |url=http://irfca.org/docs/electrification-history.html |access-date=17 November 2012}}</ref> In the 1980s, the Southern Railway started looking for land for the expansion of the station. When the adjacent [[Moore Market]] building was destroyed in a fire in 1985, the [[Government of Tamil Nadu|state government]] transferred the land to the Railways. The 13-storied [[Moore Market Complex]] opened in 1986 and houses the suburban terminus, railway reservation counters, and other offices.<ref>{{cite news |last=Sriram |first=V. |title=To market, to market... |work=[[India Today]] |date=10 October 2008 |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/supplement/story/20081020-in-the-city-737858-2008-10-10 |access-date=29 November 2012}}</ref> Following the renaming of the city of Madras in 1996, the station became known as Chennai Central.<ref name="History" />
[[File:Cennai Central Railway station.jpg|left|thumb|250px|The main station building in 2017.]]
The terminus lies on the southern arm of the [[Level junction|diamond junction]] of Chennai's railway network, where all the lines of the [[Chennai Suburban Railway]] meet. The terminus is located about 19&nbsp;km from [[Chennai International Airport]]. The main entrance is located at [[Park Town, Chennai|Park Town]] at the intersection of the arterial Poonamallee High Road, Pallavan Salai, and [[Wall Tax Road, Chennai|Wall Tax Road]] between the [[People's Park, Chennai|People's Park]] and the Southern Railways headquarters. The station premises is located on the grounds known as the Kannappar Thidal in Periyamet, on either side of the [[Buckingham Canal]], formerly known as Cochrane's Canal, which separates the main station and the suburban terminus. Wall Tax Road runs alongside the station on the eastern side. There are two other entrances on the eastern and western sides of the complex. The eastern entrance on Wall Tax Road leads to platform no. 1,<ref>{{cite news |title=Chennai Central stn on alert after intel warns of 'attack' |location=Chennai |date=19 May 2010 |url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2010-05-19/chennai/28288665_1_railway-station-death-anniversary-railway-protection-force |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140102070256/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2010-05-19/chennai/28288665_1_railway-station-death-anniversary-railway-protection-force |url-status=dead |archive-date=2 January 2014 |newspaper=[[The Times of India]] |access-date=25 November 2012}}</ref> and the western entrance lies at the entrance of the suburban terminus. The station is connected with the [[Chennai Park (Chennai Suburban Railway)|Park railway station]] and the [[Government General Hospital, Chennai|Government General Hospital]], both located across the road, by means of [[Subway (underpass)|subways]]. During the building of the [[Chennai Metro]] the connection from Chennai Park to Chennai Central is by means of a steel footbridge.


== Layout ==
[[File:Chennai_Central_side.jpg|thumb|left|Side view of the west extension building added in 1998]]


=== Architecture ===
To cater to increasing passenger movement, the main building was extended in 1998 with the addition of a new building on the western side with a similar architecture to the original, and the number of platforms increased to 12.<ref name="History" /> In the late 1990s, [[IRCTC]] installed modular stalls and food plazas along the platforms.<ref name="TOI">{{cite news |last1=Narayanan |first1=Arjun |last2=Khaja |first2=Fathima |date=23 August 2013 |title=On the Track |work=[[The Times of India]] |url=http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Default/Scripting/ArticleWin.asp?From=Search&Source=Find&Key=TOICH/2013/08/23/44/Ar04401.xml&CollName=TOI_CHENNAI_DAILY_2009&DOCID=657247&Keyword=%28%3Cmany%3E%3Cstem%3Erailways%29&skin=TOINEW&AppName=1&PageLabel=44%20&ViewMode=HTML |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304111604/http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Default/Scripting/ArticleWin.asp?From=Search&Source=Find&Key=TOICH/2013/08/23/44/Ar04401.xml&CollName=TOI_CHENNAI_DAILY_2009&DOCID=657247&Keyword=(%3Cmany%3E%3Cstem%3Erailways)&skin=TOINEW&AppName=1&PageLabel=44%20&ViewMode=HTML |url-status=dead |archive-date=4 March 2016 |access-date=26 January 2014}}</ref> In 2005, the buildings were re-painted in light brown, and were quickly repainted in the original brick-red colour after a public campaign.<ref>{{cite news |author=Vydhianathan |first=S. |date=7 March 2005 |title=Chennai Central gets back its brick-red colour |work=[[The Hindu]] |url=http://www.hindu.com/2005/03/07/stories/2005030712000300.htm |url-status=dead |access-date=12 November 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050309041955/http://www.hindu.com/2005/03/07/stories/2005030712000300.htm |archive-date=9 March 2005}}</ref>  
Built in the [[Gothic Revival architecture|Gothic Revival]] style, the original station was designed by George Harding and consisted of four platforms<ref name="IR_BriefHistoryOfChennaiDivision">{{cite web |title=Brief History of the Division |work=Chennai Division |publisher=Indian Railways-Southern Railways |url=http://www.sr.indianrailways.gov.in/uploads/files/1325745996774-about.pdf |access-date=26 October 2012}}</ref><!--REFERENCE NOT MATCHING WITH TEXT, CHECK RELIABILITY OF THE INFO, PERHAPS THE FOLLOWING WILL--><ref>{{cite web |last=Venkataraman |first=G. |title=History of Historical Building and Monuments in and around Chennai |url=http://www.cmdachennai.gov.in/pdfs/seminar_heritage_buildings/History_of_Historical_Monuments_in_and_around_Chennai.pdf |access-date=2 November 2012 |work=Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority}}</ref> and a capacity to accommodate 12-coach trains.<ref name="TOI_OnTheTrack">{{cite news |last1=Narayanan |first1=Arjun |last2=Khaja |first2=Fathima |date=23 August 2013 |title=On the TRACK |newspaper=The Times of India |location=Chennai |url=http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Default/Scripting/ArticleWin.asp?From=Search&Source=Find&Key=TOICH/2013/08/23/44/Ar04401.xml&CollName=TOI_CHENNAI_DAILY_2009&DOCID=657247&Keyword=%28%3Cmany%3E%3Cstem%3Erailways%29&skin=TOINEW&AppName=1&PageLabel=44%20&ViewMode=HTML |access-date=26 January 2014}}</ref> It took another five years for the work to be completed, when the station was modified further by [[Robert Fellowes Chisholm]] with the addition of the central clock tower, Travancore 'caps' on the main towers, and other changes.<ref>Madras – The Architectural Heritage, {{ISBN|81-901640-0-7}}, p53</ref> The redesign was eventually completed in 1900.<ref name="Hindu_LongHistoryOfService" /> The main building, a combination of [[Gothic architecture|Gothic]] and [[Romanesque architecture|Romanesque]] styles<ref name="Hindu_LongHistoryOfService">{{cite news |last=Kurian |first=Nimi |title=Long history of service |location=Chennai |date=18 August 2006 |url=http://www.hindu.com/yw/2006/08/18/stories/2006081803360100.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060820133544/http://www.hindu.com/yw/2006/08/18/stories/2006081803360100.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=20 August 2006 |newspaper=[[The Hindu]] |access-date=3 November 2012}}</ref> has been declared as a [[Heritage structures in Chennai|heritage building]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Roorkee experts to help save heritage |url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/roorkee-experts-to-help-save-heritage/article3506069.ece |access-date=23 November 2012 |newspaper=The Hindu |date=9 June 2012}}</ref> The clock tower with the flagstaff, the tallest of the towers of the main building, has four faces and reaches a height of 136&nbsp;ft.<ref name="ManPerchesAtopClockTower" /> It is set to chime every quarter of an hour and every hour.<ref name="Hindu_LongHistoryOfService" /><ref name="TOI_OnTheTrack" />


{{multiple image
In the 2000s, there were multiple plans for further expansion and development of the station, including plans for a second terminal near the Moore Market Complex,<ref name="Second">{{cite news |last=Vydhianathan |first=S. |title=Second terminal at Chennai Central proposed |date=26 October 2004 |url=http://www.hindu.com/2004/10/26/stories/2004102610770100.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041201070212/http://www.hindu.com/2004/10/26/stories/2004102610770100.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=1 December 2004 |work=[[The Hindu]] |access-date=9 November 2012}}</ref> and multi-level platforms to accommodate intercity and suburban services at various levels.<ref>{{cite news |title=Chennai Central station to be upgraded |work=One India |date=14 June 2007 |url=https://www.oneindia.com/2007/06/14/chennai-central-station-to-be-upgraded-1181808494.html |access-date=25 November 2012 |archive-date=3 March 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140303101954/http://news.oneindia.in/2007/06/14/chennai-central-station-to-be-upgraded-1181808494.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Giri |first=Greeshma Gopal |title=Rs 100-cr facelift for Chennai Central Station |work=[[The New Indian Express]] |date=19 November 2009 |url=http://www.tniusnews.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=category&layout=blog&id=55&Itemid=89&limitstart=63 |access-date=13 November 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Kumar |first=S. Vijaya |title=Chennai Central station to get world-class facilities in 5 years |date=10 August 2009 |url=http://www.hindu.com/2009/08/10/stories/2009081059280600.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090813071206/http://www.hindu.com/2009/08/10/stories/2009081059280600.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=13 August 2009 |work=[[The Hindu]] |access-date=13 November 2012}}</ref> However, the projects did not materialise.<ref>{{cite news |last=Adimathra |first=George |title=Chennai Central plan diverted to slow line |work=[[Deccan Chronicle]] |date=30 March 2011 |url=http://www.deccanchronicle.com/channels/cities/chennai/chennai-central-plan-diverted-slow-line-579 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230409155502/https://www.deccanchronicle.com/channels/cities/chennai/chennai-central-plan-diverted-slow-line-579 |url-status=dead |archive-date=9 April 2023 |access-date=13 November 2012}}</ref> In 2013, [[Track ballast|ballast]]-less tracks were expanded to all.<ref>{{cite news |last=Ayyappan |first=V. |title=Puratchi Thalaivar Dr. M. G. Ramachandran Central Railway Station, Chennai Egmore Railway Station to get washable tracks |work=[[The Times of India]] |date=14 February 2013 |url=http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Default/Scripting/ArticleWin.asp?From=Archive&Source=Page&Skin=TOINEW&BaseHref=TOICH/2013/02/14&PageLabel=5&EntityId=Ar00504&ViewMode=HTML |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304113404/http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Default/Scripting/ArticleWin.asp?From=Archive&Source=Page&Skin=TOINEW&BaseHref=TOICH/2013/02/14&PageLabel=5&EntityId=Ar00504&ViewMode=HTML |url-status=dead |archive-date=4 March 2016 |access-date=17 February 2013}}</ref> In the mid 2010s, the Indian Railways announced plans for redevelopment of the station with private partnership.<ref>{{cite news |last=Srikanth |first=R. |title=Central Station Makeover Hits a Bump |work=[[The Hindu]] |date=11 June 2017 |url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/central-station-makeover-hits-a-bump/article18959259.ece |access-date=11 June 2017}}</ref> In 2017, the [[Central Square, Chennai|Central Square]] was developed in the area around the station.<ref>{{cite news|title=Chennai to get Rs 400 crore 'Central Square'|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/Chennai-to-get-Rs-400-crore-Central-Square/articleshow/48978365.cms|date=16 September 2015|work=[[The Times of India]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Sekar|first=Sunitha|author2=Aloysius Xavier Lopez and Deepa H. Ramakrishnan|title=CMRL plans a towering monolith near Central|work=[[The Hindu]]|date=14 September 2017|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/cmrl-plans-towering-monolith-near-central/article19679300.ece|access-date=30 September 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Sekar|first=Sunitha|title=One square to link them all|work=[[The Hindu]]|date=14 September 2017|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/one-square-to-link-them-all/article19679301.ece|access-date=30 September 2017}}</ref> In February 2019, a {{cvt|100|ft}} flag mast was installed at the front of the main building of the station at a cost of {{INRconvert|1.5|m}}.<ref>{{cite news |title=Tricolour flies at a 100-ft high at Central |work=[[The Hindu]] |date=16 February 2019 |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/tricolour-flies-at-a-100-ft-high-at-central/article26285303.ece |access-date=1 March 2019}}</ref> On 6 March 2019, the [[Prime Minister of India|prime minister]] [[Narendra Modi]] announced that the station will be renamed after [[M. G. Ramachandran]], the former [[chief minister of Tamil Nadu]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Chennai Central railway station to be renamed after MGR: Modi announces|url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/chennai-central-railway-station-be-renamed-after-mgr-modi-announces-97853|access-date=1 April 2019|work=The News Minute|date=6 March 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/chennai/2019/apr/09/central-station-sans-chennai-may-cause-confusion-among-commuters-1961965.html|title=Central station sans Chennai may cause confusion among commuters|date=9 April 2019|access-date=14 June 2019|work=[[The New Indian Express]]}}</ref> On 5 April 2019, the station was officially renamed as "Puratchi Thalaivar Dr. M.G. Ramachandran Central Railway Station".<ref>{{cite news |last1=M |first1=Manikandan |title=Chennai Central railway station renamed after AIADMK founder MGR |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/chennai-central-railway-station-renamed-after-aiadmk-founder-mgr/story-BbpgnA17d5GCUPtsFxwpIN.html |access-date=16 April 2019 |work=[[The Hindustan Times]] |date=5 April 2019}}</ref>
| align            = center
| direction        = horizontal
| header            =  
| width            =  
| caption_align    = center
| image1            = Chennai Central side.jpg
| width1            = {{#expr: (175 * 2100 / 1400) round 0}}
| alt1              =  
| caption1          = Side view of station extension in 2008.
| image2            = Chennai Central .jpg
| width2            = {{#expr: (175 * 603 / 410) round 0}}
| alt2              =  
| caption2          = The main entrance in 2006.
| image3            = Chennai Central Station panorama.jpg
| width3            = {{#expr: (175 * 3000 / 1886) round 0}}
| alt3              =  
| caption3          = Panoramic view in 2008.
}}


The station has a platform area of 51,182 square metres (excluding the suburban station building) and the total building area of the main station is 14,062 square metres.<ref name="Hindu_MakeoverHitsABump" />
== Layout and architecture ==
[[File:Chennai Central Station panorama.jpg|thumb|Panoramic view in 2008]]


=== Platforms ===
Chennai Central lies on the intersection of [[EVR Periyar Salai|Poonamallee High road]], Pallavan Salai, and [[Wall Tax Road, Chennai|Wall Tax Road]] in the Park Town area in Central Chennai. The main entrance is located on the Poonamallee High road, with the eastern side opening on to the Wall Tax road, and the western entrance leading to the suburban terminal.<ref>{{cite news |title=Chennai Central stn on alert after intel warns of 'attack' |location=Chennai |date=19 May 2010 |url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2010-05-19/chennai/28288665_1_railway-station-death-anniversary-railway-protection-force |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140102070256/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2010-05-19/chennai/28288665_1_railway-station-death-anniversary-railway-protection-force |url-status=dead |archive-date=2 January 2014 |work=[[The Times of India]] |access-date=25 November 2012}}</ref> The [[Buckingham Canal]] runs beneath the main and suburban terminals. As the portion of canal running near the terminus is covered for about {{cvt|250|m}}, it often leads to garbage accumulation and necessitates regular desilting.<ref>{{cite news |last=Lakshmi |first=K. |title=Out with the dirt: canal clean-up after 14 years |work=[[The Hindu]] |date=22 September 2012 |url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/out-with-the-dirt-canal-cleanup-after-14-years/article3923587.ece |access-date=18 November 2012}}</ref>


[[File:Kovai Express 2017 (2).jpg|thumb|Platform No.10 at the terminus.]]
The main terminal of the station is spread over an area of {{cvt|51182|m2}} with a built up area of {{cvt|14062|m2}}.<ref name="Make">{{cite news |last=Srikanth |first=R. |title=Central Station Makeover Hits a Bump |work=[[The Hindu]] |date=11 June 2017 |url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/central-station-makeover-hits-a-bump/article18959259.ece |access-date=11 June 2017}}</ref>
Chennai Central is a [[terminal station]] with [[bay platform]]s. The average length of railway tracks in the station is 600 metres.<ref name="Maintenence-Hindu" /> The entire complex has 17 platforms to handle long-distance trains with 5 platforms exclusively for suburban trains. The total length of the station is about 950&nbsp;m. The main building has 12 platforms and handles long-distance trains. The complex for suburban trains is popularly known as the [[Moore Market]] complex. There is a platform 2A between platforms 2 and 3; it is used to handle short-length trains like the [[Chennai Rajdhani Express|Chennai Rajadhani Express]], [[Chennai Central–Vijayawada Jan Shatabdi Express|Vijayawada Jan Shatabdi Express]], [[Chennai Central–Bengaluru City Shatabdi Express|Bengaluru Shatabdi Express]], [[Chennai Central–Mysuru Shatabdi Express|Mysuru Shatabdi Express]] and the Gudur Passenger. The 13-storied annex building, the Moore Market Complex building, has 5 platforms and handles north- and westbound suburban trains.
The building was originally designed by George Harding and built in the [[Gothic Revival architecture|Gothic Revival]] and [[Romanesque Revival architecture]] in 1873.<ref name="History"/><ref>{{cite web |title=Brief History of the Division |publisher=[[Indian Railways]] |url=http://www.sr.indianrailways.gov.in/uploads/files/1325745996774-about.pdf |access-date=26 October 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Venkataraman |first=G. |title=History of Historical Building and Monuments in and around Chennai |url=http://www.cmdachennai.gov.in/pdfs/seminar_heritage_buildings/History_of_Historical_Monuments_in_and_around_Chennai.pdf |access-date=2 November 2012 |work=[[Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority]]}}</ref> The station was modified further by the design of [[Robert Fellowes Chisholm]], with the addition of the central clock tower, caps on the main towers, and other changes, and the redesign was eventually completed in 1900.<ref name="History"/><ref>{{cite book|title=Madras – The Architectural Heritage|isbn=81-901640-0-7|page=53}}</ref> It has been declared as a [[Heritage structures in Chennai|heritage building]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Roorkee experts to help save heritage |url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/roorkee-experts-to-help-save-heritage/article3506069.ece |access-date=23 November 2012 |work=[[The Hindu]] |date=9 June 2012}}</ref> The clock tower, the tallest of the towers of the main building, has four faces and reaches a height of {{cvt|136|ft}}<ref name="Clock">{{cite news |last=Sujatha |first=R. |title=Man perches atop clock tower of Chennai Central |work=[[The Hindu]] |date=7 August 2012 |url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/article3735388.ece |access-date=11 August 2012}}</ref> The clock is set to chime every quarter of an hour and every hour.<ref name="History" /><ref name="TOI" /> The station building has been painted in maroon colour since its inception in 1873.<ref>{{cite news |last=Madhavan |first=D. |title=Chennai Central Station gets facelift after 5 years |work=[[The Hindu]] |date=27 October 2015 |url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/central-station-gets-a-facelift-after-five-years/article7808013.ece |access-date=1 March 2019}}</ref>


Chennai Central used to have trains with special liveries until the early 1990s. The [[Brindavan Express]] used to have green livery with a yellow stripe running above and below the windows; [[Nilgiri Express]] (popularly known as the Blue Mountain Express) had blue livery. All trains now have the standard blue livery (denoting air-braked bogies). Notable exceptions include the Rajadhani, Shatabdi and the Jan Shatabdi expresses. The [[Sapthagiri Express]], [[Chennai Central–Tirupati Express|Tirupati Express]] has a vivid green/cream livery combination with a matching WAM4 6PE locomotive from [[Arakkonam]] (AJJ) electric locomotive shed.


Chennai Central, unlike many other major railway stations in India, is a terminus. The next station to Chennai Central, the [[Basin Bridge]] Junction, is the railway junction where three different lines meet.
== Infrastructure ==
[[File:Kovai Express 2017 (2).jpg|thumb|A platform at the station]]
[[File:Central_Railway_Station_interior_vrvbaan042k24_(108).jpg|thumb|Main concourse]]


As of 2015, all platforms except 2A platforms, in the station were able to accommodate trains with 24 coaches. Platform 2A is the shortest of all platforms in the station and can accommodate trains with 18 coaches.<ref name="Hindu_FourPlatformsToBeExtended">{{cite news |last=Srikanth |first=R. |title=Four platforms to be extended at Chennai Central Station |location=Chennai |date=24 November 2009 |url=http://www.hindu.com/2009/11/24/stories/2009112450020100.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091127073921/http://www.hindu.com/2009/11/24/stories/2009112450020100.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=27 November 2009 |newspaper=[[The Hindu]] |access-date=8 November 2012}}</ref> Chennai Central is the only station that has a platform numbered 2A. Though it was built actually for delivering water and goods to the station staff, the [[Shatabdi Express]] now starts from here.
The station has 17 [[bay platform]]s including five at the suburban terminal. The platforms one to eleven, averaging about {{cvt|600|m}} in length, can accommodate trains with up to 24 coaches. A shorter platform designated as 2A, can accommodate trains with 18 coaches.<ref name="Platform">{{cite news |last=Srikanth |first=R. |title=Four platforms to be extended at Chennai Central Station |location=Chennai |date=24 November 2009 |url=http://www.hindu.com/2009/11/24/stories/2009112450020100.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091127073921/http://www.hindu.com/2009/11/24/stories/2009112450020100.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=27 November 2009 |work=[[The Hindu]] |access-date=8 November 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Venkat |first=Vidya |title=Cleaning machines offer little help to sanitary workers at Central Station |date=22 May 2008 |url=http://www.hindu.com/2008/05/22/stories/2008052257950500.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080601202036/http://www.hindu.com/2008/05/22/stories/2008052257950500.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=1 June 2008 |work=[[The Hindu]] |access-date=7 November 2012}}</ref> There are various waiting areas with the main waiting hall capable of accommodating up to 1,000 people.<ref>{{cite news |last=Sundaram |first=Ram M |title=When Mr Bean Comes Calling at the Central Railway Station |work=[[The New Indian Express]] |date=29 December 2015 |url=http://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/chennai/When-Mr-Bean-Comes-Calling-at-the-Central-Railway-Station/2015/12/29/article3200408.ece |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304193845/http://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/chennai/When-Mr-Bean-Comes-Calling-at-the-Central-Railway-Station/2015/12/29/article3200408.ece |url-status=dead |archive-date=4 March 2016 |access-date=3 January 2016}}</ref> However, the main concourses are often crowded.<ref>{{cite web |last=Ananthakrishnan |first=G. |date=5 November 2012 |title=A waste of Central space |work=[[The Hindu]] |url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/a-waste-of-central-space/article4065092.ece?homepage=true |url-access=limited |access-date=7 November 2012}}</ref> The station has three [[split-flap display|split-flap]] timing boards,<ref>{{cite web |author=Velupillai |first=Krishna |date=3 January 2008 |title=New timing boards at Chennai central station |work=[[The Hindu]] |url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-tamilnadu/article1170918.ece?textsize=large&test=1 |access-date=13 November 2012}}</ref> and electronic display boards, that mention train timings and platform number.<ref>{{cite web |date=6 June 2012 |title=Return of display boards brings cheer to rail passengers |work=[[The Hindu]] |location=Chennai |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/return-of-display-boards-brings-cheer-to-rail-passengers/article3494350.ece |url-access=limited |access-date=11 August 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=New display facility at Central |url=http://www.hindu.com/2009/11/30/stories/2009113057400200.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140416180311/http://www.hindu.com/2009/11/30/stories/2009113057400200.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=16 April 2014 |access-date=12 November 2012 |newspaper=[[The Hindu]] |date=30 November 2009}}</ref> There are seven passenger operated enquiry terminals,<ref>{{cite news |author=Sreevatsan |first=Ajai |date=7 May 2011 |title=Erratic PNR machines irk passengers |work=[[The Hindu]] |url=http://www.hindu.com/2011/05/07/stories/2011050751110200.htm |url-status=dead |access-date=12 November 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110512012648/http://www.hindu.com/2011/05/07/stories/2011050751110200.htm |archive-date=12 May 2011}}</ref> a passenger information center, and information kiosks.<ref>{{cite web |title=Southern Railway—Harbinger for Progressive Changes |publisher=[[Southern Railway zone]] |year=2012 |url=http://www.sr.indianrailways.gov.in/uploads/files/1300682744278-SR_GM_Annual%20Issue.pdf |access-date=7 November 2012}}</ref> However, most platforms are not equipped with individual coach position display boards.<ref>{{cite web |last=Sarkar |first=Arita |date=30 June 2012 |title=Lack of display system on platforms at Central leaves passengers clueless |work=[[The Hindu]] |url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/article3585859.ece |url-access=limited |access-date=5 August 2012}}</ref> On 26 September 2014, Chennai Central became the first in the country to get free Wi-Fi connectivity. The facility is being provided by RailTel, a public sector telecom infrastructure provider.<ref>{{cite news |last=Narayanan |first=Vivek |title=Central station is first in country to get free Wi-Fi |work=[[The Hindu]] |date=27 September 2014 |url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/chen-infra/central-station-is-first-in-country-to-get-free-wifi/article6450331.ece?ref=sliderNews |access-date=4 October 2014}}</ref>


=== Bridge ===
There are various commercial establishments such as bookshops, restaurants, and eateries inside the station. [[Drinking water]] is supplied by taps located along the platforms.<ref>{{cite web|title=Central station lacks drinking water facility |work=[[Deccan Chronicle]] |date=6 September 2012 |url=http://www.deccanchronicle.com/channels/cities/chennai/central-station-lacks-drinking-water-facility-927 |access-date=8 November 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120906112431/http://www.deccanchronicle.com/channels/cities/chennai/central-station-lacks-drinking-water-facility-927 |archive-date=6 September 2012 }}</ref> In September 2018, a 5,000-litre [[reverse osmosis]] plant was commissioned in the station, with the water distributed through kiosks located across the platforms.<ref>{{cite news |title=Chennai Central railway station gets 5,000 litre drinking water plant |work=[[The Times of India]] |date=20 September 2018 |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/chennai-central-railway-station-gets-5000-litre-drinking-water-plant/articleshow/65888595.cms |access-date=23 December 2021}}</ref> The station has about ten toilets.<ref>{{cite web|last=Sekar |first=Sunitha |date=9 February 2013 |title=Stations lacking |work=[[The Hindu]] |url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/stations-lacking/article4390426.ece |url-access=limited |access-date=11 February 2013}}</ref>  Licensed railway porters provide baggage services to the passengers.<ref>{{cite news |last=Vidya |first=Venkat |title=Treading rough and rugged tracks, loaded with woes |date=25 May 2008 |url=http://www.hindu.com/2008/05/25/stories/2008052558450300.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080527112800/http://www.hindu.com/2008/05/25/stories/2008052558450300.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=27 May 2008 |work=[[The Hindu]] |access-date=7 November 2012}}</ref> Four-seater battery operated vehicles are available for ferrying passengers.<ref>{{cite news |title=Platform car at Chennai Central for elderly, disabled |date=8 January 2009 |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/Platform-car-at-Chennai-Central-for-elderly-disabled/articleshow/3953723.cms |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131114003449/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2009-01-08/chennai/27999615_1_car-costs-seater-car-train |url-status=live |archive-date=14 November 2013 |work=[[The Times of India]] |access-date=8 November 2012}}</ref> Following a [[Madras High Court]] order in 2012,<ref>{{cite news |title=Bustling Central lacks emergency care: PIL |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/Bustling-Central-lacks-emergency-care-PIL/articleshow/17329636.cms |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130126152650/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-11-23/chennai/35318739_1_emergency-equipment-room-railway-station-medical-care |url-status=live |archive-date=26 January 2013 |access-date=19 December 2012 |work=[[The Times of India]] |date=23 November 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Set up health centre at Central Station in three months: Court |url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/set-up-health-centre-at-central-station-in-three-months-court/article4210744.ece |access-date=19 December 2012 |work=[[The Hindu]] |date=18 December 2012}}</ref> a medical care centre was opened on 15 April 2013.<ref>{{cite news |first=A |last=Subramani |title=24-hour emergency medicare facility soon at Chennai central railway station |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/24-hour-emergency-medicare-facility-soon-at-Chennai-central-railway-station/articleshow/17653975.cms |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130526143732/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-12-17/chennai/35868013_1_emergency-medical-care-centre-chennai-central-railway-medical-stores |url-status=live |archive-date=26 May 2013 |access-date=19 December 2012 |work=[[The Times of India]] |date=17 December 2012}}</ref> The centre has three beds, and is staffed with three doctors, four nurses, and a paramedic team. It is equipped with oxygen cylinders, an [[electrocardiogram]], a [[defibrillator]], resuscitation equipment, and an ambulance.<ref>{{cite news |last=Ayyappan |first=V. |title=Chennai Central gets 24/7 emergency medical centre |work=[[The Times of India]] |date=16 April 2013 |url=http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Default/Scripting/ArticleWin.asp?From=Archive&Source=Page&Skin=TOINEW&BaseHref=TOICH/2013/04/16&PageLabel=2&EntityId=Ar00202&ViewMode=HTML |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140416181627/http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Default/Scripting/ArticleWin.asp?From=Archive&Source=Page&Skin=TOINEW&BaseHref=TOICH/2013/04/16&PageLabel=2&EntityId=Ar00202&ViewMode=HTML |url-status=dead |archive-date=16 April 2014 |access-date=18 April 2013}}</ref>
Bridge No.7 across the [[Buckingham Canal]] connects the terminus with the railway yards and stations to the north. The bridge, measuring 33.02&nbsp;m in length and carrying six tracks, acts as the gateway to the terminus. The bridge was originally resting on cast iron screw pile. Following the [[Kadalundi train derailment|2001 accident]] of [[Mangalore Mail|Mangalore Chennai Mail]] killing 57 passengers, Southern Railway started replacing all bridges resting on screw piles, and the bridge was replaced with a new [[Precast concrete#Reinforced Concrete Box|RCC box]] bridge resting on well foundation in September 2010, with ancillary works getting completed by March 2011.<ref>{{cite web |title=A Case Study on Replacement of Screw Piles by Well Foundation Under Running Traffic |work=Project Report |publisher=Indian Railway Institute of Civil Engineering |url=http://wiki.iricen.gov.in/doku/lib/exe/fetch.php?media=12101:4.pdf |access-date=18 November 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140416174455/http://wiki.iricen.gov.in/doku/lib/exe/fetch.php?media=12101:4.pdf |archive-date=16 April 2014 |url-status=dead }}</ref>


== Traffic ==
The station has parking facilities for about 1,000 two-wheelers, and four-wheelers each.<ref>{{cite news |author=Yogesh Kabirdoss |title=Parking fee hike at Central draws commuter's ire |url=http://newindianexpress.com/cities/chennai/article1309521.ece |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140416185858/http://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/chennai/article1309521.ece |url-status=dead |archive-date=16 April 2014 |access-date=12 November 2012 |work=[[The New Indian Express]] |date=22 October 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Thomas |first=Liffy |title=Relief for car parking lot users at Central station |work=[[The Hindu]] |date=30 April 2011 |url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/article1978901.ece |access-date=11 August 2012}}</ref> A premium car park, with a capacity to accommodate 80 cars, is located between the main building and suburban terminal.<ref>{{cite news |author=Kannal Achuthan |title='Premium' parking lot for cars at Chennai Central to be opened |url=http://www.hindu.com/2008/03/08/stories/2008030854430600.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080314030207/http://www.hindu.com/2008/03/08/stories/2008030854430600.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=14 March 2008 |access-date=12 November 2012 |work=[[The Hindu]] |date=8 March 2008}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Premium parking lot reopens at Central railway station |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/premium-parking-lot-reopens-at-central-railway-station/article30301633.ece |access-date=28 December 2019 |work=[[The Hindu]] |date=14 December 2019}}</ref> The station is divided into two zones for cleaning and maintenance, staffed by about 70 personnel.<ref>{{cite news |last=Varma |first=M. Dinesh |title=New agency undertakes cleaning of Egmore station |work=[[The Hindu]] |date=7 December 2012 |url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/new-agency-undertakes-cleaning-of-egmore-station/article4171806.ece |access-date=13 December 2012}}</ref> Trains arriving at the station undergo primary maintenance, which involves exterior and interior cleaning, filling water, cleaning of toilets, and required mechanical and electrical overhaul. About 405 maintenance employees are employed by the Indian Railways.<ref>{{cite news |last=Karthikeyan |first=K. |title=Maintenance not on right track |work=The Asian Age |date=20 July 2012 |url=http://www.asianage.com/chennai/maintenance-not-right-track-904 |access-date=7 November 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120721085318/http://www.asianage.com/chennai/maintenance-not-right-track-904 |archive-date=21 July 2012 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Cleanliness drive in railway stations |work=[[The Hindu]] |date=8 July 2010 |url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/cleanliness-drive-in-railway-stations/article504748.ece |access-date=7 November 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Kumar |first=S. Vijay |title=Southern Railway goes in for bio-toilets in trains |work=[[The Hindu]] |date=25 October 2012 |url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/southern-railway-goes-in-for-biotoilets-in-trains/article4029576.ece |access-date=7 November 2012}}</ref>
On an average, 89 trains are operated daily from the station of which 12 have 24 coaches.<ref name="Hindu_FourPlatformsToBeExtended" /> About 400 trains arrive and depart at the station daily, including about 86 pairs of mail/express trains, in addition to 857 suburban trains handled by the five platforms at the station's [[Moore Market|suburban terminus]].<ref name="Harbinger-for-Progressive-Changes">{{cite web |title=Southern Railway—Harbinger for Progressive Changes |work=GM's Article for the Annual Issue of the "Indian Railways" |publisher=Southern Railway |year=2012 |url=http://www.sr.indianrailways.gov.in/uploads/files/1300682744278-SR_GM_Annual%20Issue.pdf |access-date=7 November 2012}}</ref><ref name="CentralNeedsDoctors">{{cite news |last1=Narayanan |first1=Vivek |last2=Petlee |first2=Peter |date=27 May 2012 |title=SOS...Chennai Central needs doctors |newspaper=The Hindu |location=Chennai |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/SOS...Chennai-Central-needs-doctors/article12063505.ece |url-access=limited |access-date=5 August 2012}}</ref><ref name="ReturnOfDisplayBoards" /> About 400,000 passengers use the terminus every day,<ref name="DC_CentralLacksWaterFacility">{{cite news |title=Central station lacks drinking water facility |newspaper=[[Deccan Chronicle]] |location=[[Chennai]] |date=6 September 2012 |url=http://www.deccanchronicle.com/channels/cities/chennai/central-station-lacks-drinking-water-facility-927 |access-date=8 November 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120906112431/http://www.deccanchronicle.com/channels/cities/chennai/central-station-lacks-drinking-water-facility-927 |archive-date=6 September 2012 }}</ref> in addition to 20,000 visitors accompanying them to see-off or receive them,<ref name="TOI_OnTheTrack" /> generating a revenue of {{INRConvert|6590214293|lk=on}} as of 2012–2013, making it the top revenue-generating station of the Southern Railway. There is likely to be around {{formatnum:180000}} passengers in the station at a given point.<ref name="TOI_OnTheTrack" /> As of 2015–16, the main station alone (excluding the suburban station) has an average passenger footfall of 95,560 per day. Passenger earnings in the same period amounted to {{INR}} 8947.4&nbsp;million. The station managed 491 trains a day. It has been projected that the number of passengers using the main station per day in the next 40 years will be 650,000.<ref name="Hindu_MakeoverHitsABump" />


The terminus also faces traffic problems. Often, express trains and EMU services that arrive at the Basin Bridge Junction in time have to be detained for non-availability of platforms at Chennai Central. Blocking of lines is a daily challenge owing to the traffic.<ref name="Hindu_SecondTerminalProposed" />
=== Security ===
The [[Railway Protection Force]] is responsible for the security of the station. A government railway police station is located on the first floor,<ref>{{cite news |last=Peter |first=Petlee |title=Rail passengers find it hard to locate police station |url=http://www.hindu.com/2009/05/25/stories/2009052558670400.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090529175047/http://www.hindu.com/2009/05/25/stories/2009052558670400.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=29 May 2009 |access-date=12 November 2012 |work=[[The Hindu]] |date=25 May 2009}}</ref> and is headed by a [[deputy superintendent]].<ref>{{cite news |title=At Central, railway police feel the heat! |url=http://www.hindu.com/2005/05/21/stories/2005052113520300.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050523112623/http://www.hindu.com/2005/05/21/stories/2005052113520300.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=23 May 2005 |access-date=12 November 2012 |work=[[The Hindu]] |date=21 May 2005}}</ref> The police operate a helpline known as ''Kaakum karangal'' ('Protecting hands'). The station is divided into six sectors and is staffed by 24 police personnel.<ref>{{cite news |title=Railway police launches two helplines |work=[[The Hindu]] |date=1 May 2012 |url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/article3371573.ece |access-date=25 November 2012}}</ref> In May 2022, a [[bomb squad]] started functioning at the station.<ref>{{cite news |title=RPF bomb squad for Chennai Central |location=Chennai |date=3 May 2002 |url=http://hindu.com/2002/05/04/stories/2002050401470500.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041230103711/http://www.hindu.com/2002/05/04/stories/2002050401470500.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=30 December 2004 |work=[[The Hindu]] |access-date=14 November 2012}}</ref> In 2009, a security boundary wall was erected along the western side, and surveillance cameras were installed at the platforms in the suburban terminal. Two security booths were established, one each at the main and the suburban terminii.<ref>{{cite news |title=S Railway sanctions Rs 15-cr scheme |location=Chennai |date=11 June 2009 |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/S-Railway-sanctions-Rs-15-cr-scheme/articleshow/4641932.cms |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130103131053/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2009-06-11/chennai/28169059_1_security-scheme-southern-railway-surveillance-cameras |url-status=live |archive-date=3 January 2013 |work=[[The Times of India]] |access-date=10 November 2012}}</ref> In 2009, 39 [[CCTV]] cameras were installed in the main terminal and a central control room was established.<ref>{{cite news |title=Central station CCTV nets its first suspect |url=http://www.hindu.com/2009/02/09/stories/2009020956700100.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090212125826/http://hindu.com/2009/02/09/stories/2009020956700100.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=12 February 2009 |access-date=12 November 2012 |work=[[The Hindu]] |date=9 February 2009}}</ref> In 2012, about 120 cameras were added in the station.<ref>{{cite news |last=Varma |first=M. Dinesh |title=Chennai Central, Egmore to come under high-tech security blanket |work=[[The Hindu]] |date=7 November 2012 |url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-tamilnadu/chennai-central-egmore-to-come-under-hightech-security-blanket/article4072722.ece |access-date=7 November 2012}}</ref> On 15 November 2012, an integrated security system was launched at the station, which included installation of 54 IP-based cameras, under-vehicle scanning system at entries and exits, and personal and X-ray baggage screening systems. In addition, explosive detection and disposal squads were deployed. Existing cameras were also integrated to the news system.<ref>{{cite news |title=Chennai Central gets 360-degree surveillance |work=[[Deccan Chronicle]] |date=16 November 2012 |url=http://www.deccanchronicle.com/channels/cities/chennai/chennai-central-gets-360-degree-surveillance-694 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230409235846/https://www.deccanchronicle.com/channels/cities/chennai/chennai-central-gets-360-degree-surveillance-694 |url-status=dead |archive-date=9 April 2023 |access-date=29 November 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Hi-tech security system launched at Central, Egmore rail stations |work=[[The Hindu]] |date=16 November 2012 |url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/hitech-security-system-launched-at-central-egmore-rail-stations/article4099114.ece |access-date=24 November 2012}}</ref>


== Services ==
== Network and services ==
Chennai Central railway station is a major transit point for shipment of inland and sea fish in South India through trains. The terminus handles fish procured from [[Royapuram fishing harbour|Kasimedu]] which is sent to [[Kerala]] and sea fish from the West Coast which is brought to Chennai and ferried to [[West Bengal]]. As of 2012, on an average, the terminus handles transportation of 200 boxes of fish, each comprising {{convert|50|kg}} to {{convert|70|kg}} of consumable fish.<ref name="FISH_export_and_import">{{cite news |date=13 November 2012 |title=No more fish stench at Central railway station |work=[[The Indian Express]] |location=Chennai |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/chennai/2012/nov/13/no-more-fish-stench-at-central-railway-station-424819.html |access-date=13 November 2012}}</ref> The station also handles 5,000 postal bags daily.<ref>{{cite news |last=Lakshmi |first=K. |date=26 June 2012 |title=It's a long transit for parcels at Central |newspaper=The Hindu |location=Chennai |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/its-a-long-transit-for-parcels-at-central/article3570257.ece |url-access=limited |access-date=5 August 2012}}</ref>
[[File:Chennai Central Mysuru Mini VB Express train.jpg|thumb|[[Vande Bharat Express]] at the station]]


== Facilities ==
Chennai Central serves as one of the terminii of the various trunk routes of the Indian Railways viz. [[Chennai Central–Bangalore City line|Chennai–Bengaluru]], [[Howrah–Chennai main line|Chennai–Howrah]], [[Mumbai–Chennai line|Chennai–Mumbai]], and [[New Delhi–Chennai main line|Chennai–New Delhi]].<ref>{{cite press release|url=https://pib.gov.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=124694|title=Decongestion of Trunk railway routes|work=[[Government of India]]|access-date=10 August 2015|archive-date=29 May 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240529114915/https://pib.gov.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=124694|url-status=live}}</ref> The terminus is connected to the nearby Egmore station, by a circuitous {{cvt|11.2|km}} route via Chennai Beach. While there were proposals to connect the two termini by means of an elevated track,<ref>{{cite news |last=Vydhianathan |first=S. |title=Central-Egmore link project stone-laying tomorrow |location=Chennai |date=15 April 2003 |url=http://www.hindu.com/2003/04/15/stories/2003041504850400.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140416182755/http://www.hindu.com/2003/04/15/stories/2003041504850400.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=16 April 2014 |work=[[The Hindu]] |access-date=14 November 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Nitish lays foundation for Central-Egmore rail link |work=[[Business Line]] |date=17 April 2003 |url=http://www.thehindubusinessline.in/2003/04/17/stories/2003041700461700.htm |access-date=14 November 2012}}</ref> the plan was late dropped.<ref>{{cite news |last=Vydhianathan |first=S. |title=Central-Egmore rail link may fail to get official nod |date=21 October 2002 |url=http://hindu.com/2002/10/21/stories/2002102102880500.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140416191604/http://hindu.com/2002/10/21/stories/2002102102880500.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=16 April 2014 |work=[[The Hindu]] |access-date=14 November 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Balaji |first=J. |title=Central-Egmore link: Railways presses for NOC |date=2 September 2008 |url=http://www.hindu.com/2008/09/02/stories/2008090258150100.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080903221249/http://www.hindu.com/2008/09/02/stories/2008090258150100.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=3 September 2008 |work=[[The Hindu]] |access-date=14 November 2012}}</ref> It is a [[terminal station]], and the lines branch out from the nearby [[Basin Bridge Junction railway station|Basin Bridge Junction]], which results in congestion and traffic challenges due to the non-availability of platforms at Chennai Central.<ref name="Second" /> A bridge across the Buckingham Canal connects the terminus with the railway yards and stations to the north. The {{cvt|33.02|m}}-long bridge, carries six tracks, and was completed in March 2011.<ref>{{cite web |title=A Case Study on Replacement of Screw Piles by Well Foundation Under Running Traffic |publisher=Indian Railway Institute of Civil Engineering |url=http://wiki.iricen.gov.in/doku/lib/exe/fetch.php?media=12101:4.pdf |access-date=18 November 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140416174455/http://wiki.iricen.gov.in/doku/lib/exe/fetch.php?media=12101:4.pdf |archive-date=16 April 2014 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
[[File:Chennai Central interior.jpg|210px|thumb|Inside the main station in 2007.]]
The station has bookshops, restaurants, accommodation facilities, internet browsing centres, and a shopping mall. The main waiting hall can hold up to 1,000 people.<ref>{{cite news |last=Sundaram |first=Ram M |title=When Mr Bean Comes Calling at the Central Railway Station |newspaper=The New Indian Express |location=Chennai |date=29 December 2015 |url=http://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/chennai/When-Mr-Bean-Comes-Calling-at-the-Central-Railway-Station/2015/12/29/article3200408.ece |access-date=3 January 2016}}</ref> In spite of being the most important terminus of the region, the station lacks several facilities such as coach position display boards.<ref name="LackOfDisplaySystem">{{cite news |last=Sarkar |first=Arita |date=30 June 2012 |title=Lack of display system on platforms at Central leaves passengers clueless |newspaper=The Hindu |location=Chennai |url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/article3585859.ece |url-access=limited |access-date=5 August 2012}}</ref> The main concourses too have long exhausted their capacity to handle the increasing passenger crowd.<ref>{{cite news |last=Ananthakrishnan |first=G. |date=5 November 2012 |title=A waste of Central space |newspaper=The Hindu |location=Chennai |url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/a-waste-of-central-space/article4065092.ece?homepage=true |url-access=limited |access-date=7 November 2012}}</ref> There are passenger operated enquiry terminals and seven touch-screen PNR status machines in the station.<ref>{{cite news |author=Sreevatsan |first=Ajai |date=7 May 2011 |title=Erratic PNR machines irk passengers |newspaper=[[The Hindu]] |url=http://www.hindu.com/2011/05/07/stories/2011050751110200.htm |url-status=dead |access-date=12 November 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110512012648/http://www.hindu.com/2011/05/07/stories/2011050751110200.htm |archive-date=12 May 2011}}</ref> The station has three [[split-flap display|split-flap]] timing boards,<ref>{{cite news |author=Velupillai |first=Krishna |date=3 January 2008 |title=New timing boards at Chennai central station |newspaper=The Hindu |url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-tamilnadu/article1170918.ece?textsize=large&test=1 |access-date=13 November 2012}}</ref> electronic display boards and plasma TVs that mention train timings and platform number.<ref name="ReturnOfDisplayBoards">{{cite news |date=6 June 2012 |title=Return of display boards brings cheer to rail passengers |newspaper=The Hindu |location=Chennai |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/return-of-display-boards-brings-cheer-to-rail-passengers/article3494350.ece |url-access=limited |access-date=11 August 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=New display facility at Central |url=http://www.hindu.com/2009/11/30/stories/2009113057400200.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140416180311/http://www.hindu.com/2009/11/30/stories/2009113057400200.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=16 April 2014 |access-date=12 November 2012 |newspaper=[[The Hindu]] |date=30 November 2009}}</ref> A passenger information center in the station has been upgraded with "Spot your Train" live train display facility, information kiosks and passenger digital assistance booths.<ref name="Harbinger-for-Progressive-Changes" /> The terminus, however, has only 10 toilets, which is inadequate to its 350,000 passengers.<ref>{{cite news |last=Sekar |first=Sunitha |date=9 February 2013 |title=Stations lacking |newspaper=The Hindu |location=Chennai |url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/stations-lacking/article4390426.ece |url-access=limited |access-date=11 February 2013}}</ref>


In September 2018, a 5,000-litre drinking water vending [[reverse osmosis]] plant was commissioned in the station.<ref>{{cite news
Chennai Central is one of the busiest railway stations in [[South India]] and a major rail hub in the country.<ref name="Data"/> {{As of|2023}}, it handles about 200 [[Express trains in India|Mail/Express]] trains, and the suburban terminus handles about 1000 Suburban/[[Multiple units of India|Multiple Unit]] services daily. It handles about 730,000 passengers per day.<ref name="TNIE" /> The station is also a major transit point for [[freight trains]]. It handles sea food and other cargo from the port.<ref>{{cite news |date=13 November 2012 |title=No more fish stench at Central railway station |work=[[The Indian Express]] |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/chennai/2012/nov/13/no-more-fish-stench-at-central-railway-station-424819.html |access-date=13 November 2012}}</ref> It also serves as a main transit station for [[India Post]].<ref>{{cite news |last=Lakshmi |first=K. |date=26 June 2012 |title=It's a long transit for parcels at Central |work=[[The Hindu]] |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/its-a-long-transit-for-parcels-at-central/article3570257.ece |url-access=limited |access-date=5 August 2012}}</ref> In 2024, the station generated a revenue of {{INRconvert|12.993|b}}, and was the third highest revenue earning station of the Indian Railways.<ref name="Data"/>
| last = Prabhakar
| first = Siddharth
| title = Chennai Central railway station gets 5,000 litre drinking water plant
| newspaper = The Times of India
| location = Chennai
| pages =
| language =
| publisher = The Times Group
| date = 20 September 2018
| url = https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/chennai-central-railway-station-gets-5000-litre-drinking-water-plant/articleshow/65888595.cms
| access-date = 23 December 2021}}</ref>


As of 2008, there were 607 licensed railway porters in Chennai Central.<ref>{{cite news |last=Vidya |first=Venkat |title=Treading rough and rugged tracks, loaded with woes |location=Chennai |date=25 May 2008 |url=http://www.hindu.com/2008/05/25/stories/2008052558450300.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080527112800/http://www.hindu.com/2008/05/25/stories/2008052558450300.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=27 May 2008 |newspaper=[[The Hindu]] |access-date=7 November 2012}}</ref> Four-seater battery operated vehicles are available to cater to the needs of the elderly and the physically impaired.<ref name="Battery-operated-vehicle">{{cite news |title=Platform car at Chennai Central for elderly, disabled |location=Chennai |date=8 January 2009 |url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2009-01-08/chennai/27999615_1_car-costs-seater-car-train |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131114003449/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2009-01-08/chennai/27999615_1_car-costs-seater-car-train |url-status=dead |archive-date=14 November 2013 |newspaper=[[The Times of India]] |access-date=8 November 2012}}</ref>
== Yards and sheds ==
A coach maintenance depot is located at the northern side of the terminus, where trains are checked, cleaned and readied for the next trips. It is the largest train care centre under the Southern Railway, and is equipped with 14 pit lines including two lines to accommodate 24-coach trains, and the rest designed to park 18-coach trains.<ref>{{cite web |title=About Us |publisher=[[Southern Railway zone]] |url=http://www.sr.indianrailways.gov.in/view_section.jsp?lang=0&id=0,1,304,374,492,494 |access-date=12 November 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160424084130/http://www.sr.indianrailways.gov.in/view_section.jsp?lang=0&id=0%2C1%2C304%2C374%2C492%2C494 |archive-date=24 April 2016 |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Ayyappan |first=V. |title=Railway staff battle muck, indifference |location=Chennai |date=9 July 2012 |url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-07-09/chennai/32603604_1_basin-bridge-special-trains-pit-lines |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130103092906/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-07-09/chennai/32603604_1_basin-bridge-special-trains-pit-lines |url-status=dead |archive-date=3 January 2013 |work=[[The Times of India]] |access-date=10 November 2012}}</ref> The Water used for washing are out into the Buckingham Canal by means of drainage channels. However, as the yard is located in a basin area, water does not drain quickly enough,<ref>{{cite news |title=Clean-up starts at Basin Bridge train care centre |location=Chennai |date=18 July 2012 |url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-07-18/chennai/32730271_1_pit-lines-train-care-centre-basin-bridge-train |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130103164507/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-07-18/chennai/32730271_1_pit-lines-train-care-centre-basin-bridge-train |url-status=dead |archive-date=3 January 2013 |work=[[The Times of India]] |access-date=10 November 2012}}</ref> and leads to pest infestation and other hygiene issues.<ref>{{cite news |last=Ayyappan |first=V. |title=Passengers panic as pests overrun dirty train bogies |date=29 October 2012 |url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-10-29/chennai/34797147_1_sleeper-coaches-bogies-pests-and-rodents |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130103150228/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-10-29/chennai/34797147_1_sleeper-coaches-bogies-pests-and-rodents |url-status=dead |archive-date=3 January 2013 |work=[[The Times of India]] |access-date=10 November 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Train care centre in Chennai needs thorough overhaul |date=31 July 2012 |url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-07-31/chennai/32961094_1_southern-railway-pit-lines-train |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130103104648/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-07-31/chennai/32961094_1_southern-railway-pit-lines-train |url-status=dead |archive-date=3 January 2013 |work=[[The Times of India]] |access-date=10 November 2012}}</ref>


On 26 September 2014, Chennai Central became the first in the country to get free Wi-Fi connectivity. The facility is being provided by RailTel, a public sector telecom infrastructure provider.<ref>{{cite news |last=Narayanan |first=Vivek |title=Central station is first in country to get free Wi-Fi |newspaper=The Hindu |location=Chennai |date=27 September 2014 |url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/chen-infra/central-station-is-first-in-country-to-get-free-wifi/article6450331.ece?ref=sliderNews |access-date=4 October 2014}}</ref>
The terminus has a trip shed for housing [[electric locomotives]], located to the north of the train care centre.<ref>{{cite news |last=Saqaf |first=Syed Muthahar |author2=R. Rajaram |title=Electric locomotive trip shed at Tiruchi junction |location=Chennai |date=23 August 2010 |url=http://www.hindu.com/2010/08/23/stories/2010082355420600.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100827215427/http://www.hindu.com/2010/08/23/stories/2010082355420600.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=27 August 2010 |work=[[The Hindu]] |access-date=17 November 2012}}</ref> Locomotive sheds at [[Electric Loco Shed, Royapuram|Royapuram]], and [[Diesel Loco Shed, Tondiarpet|Tondiarpet]], also serve for housing locomotives.<ref>{{cite web |title=Locomotive Sheds |work=IRFCA |url=http://www.irfca.org/faq/faq-shed.html |access-date=12 November 2012}}</ref> There is a goods shed at [[Salt Cotaurs]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Freight Sheds and Marshalling Yards |work=IRFCA |url=http://www.irfca.org/faq/faq-yard.html |access-date=12 November 2012}}</ref>
 
=== Emergency medical care ===
In November 2012, a public interest writ petition was filed in the [[Madras High Court]] citing the lack of a full-fledged emergency medical care centre at the terminus.<ref>{{cite news |title=Bustling Central lacks emergency care: PIL |url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-11-23/chennai/35318739_1_emergency-equipment-room-railway-station-medical-care |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130126152650/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-11-23/chennai/35318739_1_emergency-equipment-room-railway-station-medical-care |url-status=dead |archive-date=26 January 2013 |access-date=19 December 2012 |newspaper=[[The Times of India]] |date=23 November 2012}}</ref> Further to this, the Southern Railway invited expression of interest from several hospitals in the city to establish a medical care centre.<ref>{{cite news |first=A |last=Subramani |title=24-hour emergency medicare facility soon at Chennai central railway station |url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-12-17/chennai/35868013_1_emergency-medical-care-centre-chennai-central-railway-medical-stores |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130526143732/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-12-17/chennai/35868013_1_emergency-medical-care-centre-chennai-central-railway-medical-stores |url-status=dead |archive-date=26 May 2013 |access-date=19 December 2012 |newspaper=[[The Times of India]] |date=17 December 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Set up health centre at Central Station in three months: Court |url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/set-up-health-centre-at-central-station-in-three-months-court/article4210744.ece |access-date=19 December 2012 |newspaper=The Hindu |date=18 December 2012}}</ref>
 
On 15 April 2013, a new emergency medical care centre was opened. The centre has three beds, two doctors on duty and another on standby, four nurses, a paramedic team, and a round-the-clock ambulance. The centre is equipped with oxygen cylinders, an ECG, a defibrillator and resuscitation equipment. The terminus is the first railway station in the country to have facilities of an ambulance.<ref>{{cite news |last=Ayyappan |first=V. |title=Chennai Central gets 24/7 emergency medical centre |newspaper=The Times of India |location=Chennai |date=16 April 2013 |url=http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Default/Scripting/ArticleWin.asp?From=Archive&Source=Page&Skin=TOINEW&BaseHref=TOICH/2013/04/16&PageLabel=2&EntityId=Ar00202&ViewMode=HTML |access-date=18 April 2013}}</ref>
 
=== Parking ===
The station has parking facilities for more than 1,000 two-wheelers.<ref>{{cite news |author=Yogesh Kabirdoss |title=Parking fee hike at Central draws commuter's ire |url=http://newindianexpress.com/cities/chennai/article1309521.ece |access-date=12 November 2012 |newspaper=The New Indian Express |date=22 October 2012}}</ref> About 1,000 cars are parked in the standard car park every day. Since March 2008, a premium car park facility for 80 cars in addition to its regular car park is functioning at the station. The cement-concrete-paved premium parking is located between the Moore Market reservation complex and the station's main building.<ref>{{cite news |author=Kannal Achuthan |title='Premium' parking lot for cars at Chennai Central to be opened |url=http://www.hindu.com/2008/03/08/stories/2008030854430600.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080314030207/http://www.hindu.com/2008/03/08/stories/2008030854430600.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=14 March 2008 |access-date=12 November 2012 |newspaper=[[The Hindu]] |date=8 March 2008}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Premium parking lot reopens at Central railway station |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/premium-parking-lot-reopens-at-central-railway-station/article30301633.ece |access-date=28 December 2019 |newspaper=The Hindu |date=14 December 2019}}</ref> However, the station still faces parking problems. About 3,000 taxis arrives at the station every day.<ref>{{cite news |last=Thomas |first=Liffy |title=Relief for car parking lot users at Central station |newspaper=The Hindu |location=Chennai |date=30 April 2011 |url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/article1978901.ece |access-date=11 August 2012}}</ref>
 
== Maintenance ==
According to the Railway sources, as of July 2012, Chennai Central was 180 short of the sanctioned 405 maintenance employees, including mechanical, electrical and general maintenance, required for cleaning the interiors and exteriors of trains and undertaking routine mechanical and electrical maintenance of trains.<ref name="Maintenance-Asian Age">{{cite news |last=Karthikeyan |first=K. |title=Maintenance not on right track |newspaper=The Asian Age |location=Chennai |date=20 July 2012 |url=http://www.asianage.com/chennai/maintenance-not-right-track-904 |access-date=7 November 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120721085318/http://www.asianage.com/chennai/maintenance-not-right-track-904 |archive-date=21 July 2012 }}</ref> Contracts for cleaning the station has been awarded for a period of three years from 2010 for a value of {{INR}} 43.1&nbsp;million.<ref>{{cite news |title=Cleanliness drive in railway stations |newspaper=The Hindu |location=Chennai |date=8 July 2010 |url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/cleanliness-drive-in-railway-stations/article504748.ece |access-date=7 November 2012}}</ref> In 2007, the number of dustbins in the station was 28.50 per 10,000 passengers.<ref name="cleanlinessreport_2007">{{cite web |title=Cleanliness and Sanitation on Indian Railways |work=Report No.6 of 2007 |publisher=Yatra.com |url=http://saiindia.gov.in/english/home/Our_Products/Audit_Report/Government_Wise/union_audit/recent_reports/union_performance/2006_2007/Railways/Report_no_6/chap_2.pdf |access-date=19 November 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140424062153/http://saiindia.gov.in/english/home/Our_Products/Audit_report/Government_Wise/union_audit/recent_reports/union_performance/2006_2007/Railways/Report_no_6/chap_2.pdf |archive-date=24 April 2014 }}</ref>
 
On average, about 51 train units depart and arrive at the station from different parts of the country every day. Of the 102 trains, a 12 are sent during the day and another 7 at night to the ''Basin Bridge Train Care Centre''<ref name="Bio-toilets in MAS">{{cite news |last=Kumar |first=S. Vijay |title=Southern Railway goes in for bio-toilets in trains |newspaper=The Hindu |location=Chennai |date=25 October 2012 |url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/southern-railway-goes-in-for-biotoilets-in-trains/article4029576.ece |access-date=7 November 2012}}</ref> for primary maintenance, which involves complete exterior and interior cleaning and total mechanical and electrical overhaul. The rest of the trains go through secondary maintenance or 'other-end attention' at the depot or 'turn back train attention' at Chennai Central itself. Secondary maintenance includes filling water, while the third is the 'other-end attention', in which the train, especially the toilets, is cleaned. The fourth category of trains, such as [[Sapthagiri Express]] and [[Pallavan Express]], are turn-back trains, which arrive and leave in a short time from Chennai Central after toilet-cleaning and water-filling is done right at the terminus platform.<ref name="Maintenance-Asian Age" />
 
The station has been divided into two zones for mechanised cleaning contracts.<ref>{{cite news |last=Varma |first=M. Dinesh |title=New agency undertakes cleaning of Egmore station |newspaper=The Hindu |location=Chennai |date=7 December 2012 |url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/new-agency-undertakes-cleaning-of-egmore-station/article4171806.ece |access-date=13 December 2012}}</ref> As of 2008, Chennai Central had about 30 sanitary workers employed on a contractual basis in Zone I (platforms 1 to 6). Zone II (platforms 7 to 12) was cleaned by close to 40 railway employees.<ref name="Maintenence-Hindu">{{cite news |last=Venkat |first=Vidya |title=Cleaning machines offer little help to sanitary workers at Central Station |location=Chennai |date=22 May 2008 |url=http://www.hindu.com/2008/05/22/stories/2008052257950500.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080601202036/http://www.hindu.com/2008/05/22/stories/2008052257950500.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=1 June 2008 |newspaper=[[The Hindu]] |access-date=7 November 2012}}</ref>
 
=== Yards and sheds ===
 
==== Train care centre ====
[[File:Diesel hydraulic loco.JPG|thumb|left|A [[Switcher#Station pilot|station pilot]] [[Locomotives of India#Shunting locomotives (also known as switching engines)|WDS4B]] involved in shunting passenger trains in 2013.]]
A [[broad-gauge]] coach maintenance depot, called the Basin Bridge Train Care Centre, is located at the northern side of the terminus, where trains of 18 to 24 coaches are checked, cleaned and readied for its next trip after they return from round trips.<ref>{{cite web |title=About Us |publisher=Southern Railway |url=http://www.sr.indianrailways.gov.in/view_section.jsp?lang=0&id=0,1,304,374,492,494 |access-date=12 November 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160424084130/http://www.sr.indianrailways.gov.in/view_section.jsp?lang=0&id=0%2C1%2C304%2C374%2C492%2C494 |archive-date=24 April 2016 |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="TOI_StaffBattleMuck" /> It is the largest train care centre under the Southern Railway where 30 pairs of trains are inspected every day. The yard has 14 pit lines, each 3-ft deep, to inspect undercarriage of trains, but only two lines can accommodate 24-coach trains. The rest are designed to park 18-coach trains. Five to six people are allotted to each train. As of 2012, the centre has 3,500 employees, a shortage of about 400.<ref name="TOI_StaffBattleMuck">{{cite news |last=Ayyappan |first=V. |title=Railway staff battle muck, indifference |location=Chennai |date=9 July 2012 |url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-07-09/chennai/32603604_1_basin-bridge-special-trains-pit-lines |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130103092906/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-07-09/chennai/32603604_1_basin-bridge-special-trains-pit-lines |url-status=dead |archive-date=3 January 2013 |newspaper=[[The Times of India]] |access-date=10 November 2012}}</ref>
 
Water accumulated in pit lines are let out into the Buckingham Canal by means of drainage channels. However, as the yard is located in a basin area, water does not drain quickly enough.<ref>{{cite news |title=Clean-up starts at Basin Bridge train care centre |location=Chennai |date=18 July 2012 |url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-07-18/chennai/32730271_1_pit-lines-train-care-centre-basin-bridge-train |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130103164507/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-07-18/chennai/32730271_1_pit-lines-train-care-centre-basin-bridge-train |url-status=dead |archive-date=3 January 2013 |newspaper=[[The Times of India]] |access-date=10 November 2012}}</ref> In addition, the centre faces pests and other hygiene issues too.<ref>{{cite news |last=Ayyappan |first=V. |title=Passengers panic as pests overrun dirty train bogies |location=Chennai |date=29 October 2012 |url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-10-29/chennai/34797147_1_sleeper-coaches-bogies-pests-and-rodents |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130103150228/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-10-29/chennai/34797147_1_sleeper-coaches-bogies-pests-and-rodents |url-status=dead |archive-date=3 January 2013 |newspaper=[[The Times of India]] |access-date=10 November 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Train care centre in Chennai needs thorough overhaul |location=Chennai |date=31 July 2012 |url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-07-31/chennai/32961094_1_southern-railway-pit-lines-train |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130103104648/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-07-31/chennai/32961094_1_southern-railway-pit-lines-train |url-status=dead |archive-date=3 January 2013 |newspaper=[[The Times of India]] |access-date=10 November 2012}}</ref>
 
==== Electric trip shed ====
The terminus has an electric locomotive trip shed, the Basin Bridge electric locomotive trip shed, located north of the train care centre. It is one of the five locomotive trip sheds of the Southern Railway.<ref>{{cite news |last=Saqaf |first=Syed Muthahar |author2=R. Rajaram |title=Electric locomotive trip shed at Tiruchi junction |location=Chennai |date=23 August 2010 |url=http://www.hindu.com/2010/08/23/stories/2010082355420600.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100827215427/http://www.hindu.com/2010/08/23/stories/2010082355420600.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=27 August 2010 |newspaper=[[The Hindu]] |access-date=17 November 2012}}</ref> To lessen load on the shed, an additional electric trip shed has been created at [[Tondiarpet]], which also serves as a crew change point for freights.<ref>{{cite web |title=Locomotive Sheds |work=Sheds and Workshops |publisher=Irfca.org |url=http://www.irfca.org/faq/faq-shed.html |access-date=12 November 2012}}</ref>
 
==== Goods shed ====
The terminus has a goods shed attached to it at [[Salt Cotaurs]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Goods Sheds |work=Freight Sheds and Marshalling Yards |publisher=Irfca.org |url=http://www.irfca.org/faq/faq-yard.html |access-date=12 November 2012}}</ref>
 
== Renovation ==
[[File:Central Square park.jpg|thumb|Thoroughfare at [[Central Square, Chennai|Central Square]] in 2023.]]
Chennai Central gets renovation after 2010, is undertaken by the building division of the Southern Railway with the technical assistance provided by the Chennai Circle of [[Archaeological Survey of India]]. The work is carried out to ensure the original character of the building is maintained. The Station building has maroon colour since its inception in 1873.<ref>{{cite news |last=Madhavan |first=D. |title=Chennai Central Station gets facelift after 5 years |newspaper=The Hindu |location=Chennai |publisher=Kasturi & Sons |date=27 October 2015 |url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/central-station-gets-a-facelift-after-five-years/article7808013.ece |access-date=1 March 2019}}</ref>
 
In February 2019, as part of the Railway Ministry's plan to install flag masts at 75 major stations in the country, a 100-foot flag mast was installed at the front of the main building of the station at a cost of {{INR}} 1.5&nbsp;million. Weighing around 2 tonnes, the mast is made of galvanised iron pipes. The mast is one of the tallest in the city. The polyester-and-cotton flag is 60-ft wide and weighs around 9.5&nbsp;kg, and can be hoisted both manually and electronically.<ref>{{cite news |title=Tricolour flies at a 100-ft high at Central |newspaper=The Hindu |location=Chennai |publisher=Kasturi & Sons |date=16 February 2019 |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/tricolour-flies-at-a-100-ft-high-at-central/article26285303.ece |access-date=1 March 2019}}</ref>


== Connectivity ==
== Connectivity ==
[[File:Chennai Moore Market Station.jpg|220px|thumb|[[Moore Market Complex]], the suburban terminal of Chennai Central in 2008.]]
[[File:Central Square park.jpg|thumb|Thoroughfare at [[Central Square, Chennai|Central Square]]]]
Chennai Central is a hub for suburban trains. Suburban lines originating from Chennai Central include [[West North Line, Chennai Suburban|West North Line]], [[North Line, Chennai Suburban|North Line]], and [[West Line, Chennai Suburban|West Line]].<ref name="erail">{{cite web |title=Chennai suburban train time table |url=http://erail.in |work=Indian Railways |access-date=19 August 2012}}</ref> Chennai Park suburban station is in proximity to the station, thus facilitating connectivity to [[Tambaram]]/[[Chengalpet]]/[[Tirumalpur]] routes through [[South Line, Chennai Suburban|South Line]] and [[South West Line, Chennai Suburban|South West Line]]. Chennai Central can be directly reached from all suburban stations and MRTS stations in and around Chennai (except Washermanpet and Royapuram) either through its own MMC Complex for suburban trains or through the nearby [[Chennai Park (Chennai Suburban Railway)|Park]] suburban station or the [[Chennai Park Town (Chennai MRTS)|Park Town MRTS station]]. Currently, there is only one direct suburban train that plies from Chennai Beach Junction to Chennai Central via Washermanpet and Royapuram, and hence there is no frequent direct connectivity for these two stations to Chennai Central. The Chennai Park Town [[Chennai Mass Rapid Transit System|MRTS]] station is close to Chennai Central station.
 
An underground [[metro station]] of the [[Chennai Metro]] namely [[Puratchi Thalaivar Dr. M.G. Ramachandran Central metro station]] serves as the hub. It is one of the two metro stations where Corridor I ([[Blue Line (Chennai Metro)|Blue Line]]) ([[Chennai International Airport metro station|Airport]]–[[Tiruvottiyur]]) of the project will intersect with Corridor II ([[Green Line (Chennai Metro)|Green Line]]) (Puratchi Thalaivar Dr. M.G. Ramachandran Central Metro–[[St. Thomas Mount]] via Egmore, Puratchi Thalaivi Dr. J. Jayalalithaa CMBT Metro). The metro station, is at a depth of {{convert|25|m}}, is the largest of all metro stations in the city with an area of over {{convert|70000|m2}}.<ref name="BiggestMetroStation">{{cite news |title=Chennai Central to be biggest metro station |newspaper=Magic Bricks.com |location=Chennai |publisher=MagicBricks.com |date=30 August 2011 |url=http://content.magicbricks.com/chennai-central-to-be-biggest-metro-station/ |access-date=8 November 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120101085704/http://content.magicbricks.com/chennai-central-to-be-biggest-metro-station |archive-date=1 January 2012}}</ref> The station will act as a transit point for passengers from the Central, Park Town, and [[Chennai Park|Park]] railway stations.<ref>{{cite news |title=Metro rail seals fate of shops near Central |newspaper=The Hindu |location=Chennai |date=22 July 2012 |url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/article3666956.ece |access-date=5 August 2012}}</ref> It is estimated that more than 100,000 commuters will utilise the station daily.<ref name="BiggestMetroStation" />
[[File:Chennai Metro (20330374978).jpg|thumb|[[Chennai Metro]] in 2015.]]
Chennai Central is connected to the [[Chennai Mofussil Bus Terminus]] and other parts of the city by buses operated by the [[Metropolitan Transport Corporation (Chennai)|Metropolitan Transport Corporation]],<ref name="minibusfails">{{cite news |title=Mini-bus facility at airport fails to take off |url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/article3350248.ece |first=Asha |last=Sridhar |date=25 April 2012 |work=[[The Hindu]] |location=Chennai |access-date=5 November 2012}}</ref> by means of separate bus lanes near the main entrance, close to the concourse. There are prepaid auto and taxi stands at the station premises.<ref name="badlyhit">{{cite news |title=Auto and taxi drivers badly hit |url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/article3466783.ece |first=Lavanya |last=M |date=29 May 2012 |work=[[The Hindu]] |location=Chennai |access-date=4 November 2012}}</ref> However, only 30 autorickshaws are presently attached to the prepaid counter parking, as Chennai Metro Rail has acquired its parking area for station construction.<ref>{{cite news |title=Autos in short supply at Chennai Central railway station |location=Chennai |date=3 January 2012 |url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-01-03/chennai/30584112_1_prepaid-autorickshaw-counter-chennai-central-railway-station-passengers |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130103164647/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-01-03/chennai/30584112_1_prepaid-autorickshaw-counter-chennai-central-railway-station-passengers |url-status=dead |archive-date=3 January 2013 |newspaper=[[The Times of India]] |access-date=25 November 2012}}</ref>


The terminus is connected to the Park railway station and the Government General Hospital by two subways on either side. The two subways, which are one of the first in the city, are used by thousands of commuters day round.<ref name="JaywalkersCallousBusDriversFaceOff" /> Nevertheless, jaywalking prevails as a substantial number of commuters prefer crossing the road,<ref>{{cite news |title=Hawkers force public to choose road over subways |newspaper=Deccan Chronicle |location=Chennai |date=6 August 2012 |url=http://www.deccanchronicle.com/channels/cities/chennai/hawkers-force-public-choose-road-over-subways-986 |access-date=13 November 2012}}</ref> at times resulting in accidents.<ref name="JaywalkersCallousBusDriversFaceOff">{{cite news |last=Hemalatha |first=Karthikeyan |title=Central: Where jaywalkers, callous bus drivers face off |location=Chennai |date=4 June 2011 |url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-06-04/chennai/29620564_1_bus-drivers-mtc-drivers-bus-bay |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130103102733/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-06-04/chennai/29620564_1_bus-drivers-mtc-drivers-bus-bay |url-status=dead |archive-date=3 January 2013 |newspaper=[[The Times of India]] |access-date=24 November 2012}}</ref>
The station forms an important junction for various lines of the suburban network. Moore Market complex, serves as the hub for suburban trains on the [[North Line, Chennai Suburban|North]], [[West Line, Chennai Suburban|West]], [[West North Line, Chennai Suburban|West North]], and [[West South Line, Chennai Suburban|West South lines]].<ref name="Map1">{{cite web|url=https://st2.indiarailinfo.com/kjfdsuiemjvcya0/0/9/1/8/592918/0/linemap.pdf|title=Chennai rail map|work=Indiarail Info|access-date=1 June 2025}}</ref><ref name="Map2">{{cite web|url=https://irfca.org/docs/maps/chennai_mrts_suburban_map.pdf|title=Chennai rail map|work=IRFCA|access-date=1 June 2025}}</ref> The [[Chennai Park (Chennai Suburban Railway)|Chennai Park]] suburban station, that forms part of the [[South Line, Chennai Suburban|South]], and [[South West Line, Chennai Suburban|South West lines]], is situated across the Central station. The [[Chennai Park Town (Chennai MRTS)|Park Town]] station, which is part of the [[Chennai MRTS]] network, is located adjacent to the Park station.<ref name="Map1"/><ref name="Map2"/> The [[Puratchi Thalaivar Dr. M.G. Ramachandran Central metro station|Central metro station]], serves as the intersection of the [[Blue Line (Chennai Metro)|Blue]] and [[Green Line (Chennai Metro)|Green Lines]] of the Chennai metro. A series of subways and passageways in the Central Square connect the station to the other side of the road, and the nearby suburban and metro stations.<ref>{{cite news |title=First skywalk to link Chennai Central with GH |work=[[The Hindu]] |date=23 June 2012 |url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/states/tamil-nadu/article3559907.ece |access-date=23 June 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Metro rail seals fate of shops near Central |work=[[The Hindu]] |date=22 July 2012 |url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/article3666956.ece |access-date=5 August 2012}}</ref> However, jaywalking prevails as a substantial number of commuters prefer crossing the road, at times resulting in accidents.<ref>{{cite news |title=Hawkers force public to choose road over subways |work=[[Deccan Chronicle]] |date=6 August 2012 |url=http://www.deccanchronicle.com/channels/cities/chennai/hawkers-force-public-choose-road-over-subways-986 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230409155457/https://www.deccanchronicle.com/channels/cities/chennai/hawkers-force-public-choose-road-over-subways-986 |url-status=dead |archive-date=9 April 2023 |access-date=13 November 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Hemalatha |first=Karthikeyan |title=Central: Where jaywalkers, callous bus drivers face off |date=4 June 2011 |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/Central-Where-jaywalkers-callous-bus-drivers-face-off/articleshow/8717641.cms |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130103102733/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-06-04/chennai/29620564_1_bus-drivers-mtc-drivers-bus-bay |url-status=live |archive-date=3 January 2013 |work=[[The Times of India]] |access-date=24 November 2012}}</ref>
[[File:ChennaiEMUold.JPG|thumb|220x220px|Suburban trains from Chennai Suburban Terminal railway station in 2010.]]
The terminus is connected with the Egmore station, the other most important terminus of the city, by a circuitous and congested route covering a distance of 11.2&nbsp;km via Chennai Beach. There was initially a proposal to connect the two termini by means of an elevated section with double-line broad-gauge electrified track with two elevated platforms at Chennai Central, at the cost of {{INR}} 930 million, which would cut the distance to 2.5&nbsp;km.<ref>{{cite news |last=Vydhianathan |first=S. |title=Central-Egmore link project stone-laying tomorrow |location=Chennai |date=15 April 2003 |url=http://www.hindu.com/2003/04/15/stories/2003041504850400.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140416182755/http://www.hindu.com/2003/04/15/stories/2003041504850400.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=16 April 2014 |newspaper=[[The Hindu]] |access-date=14 November 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Nitish lays foundation for Central-Egmore rail link |newspaper=Business Line |location=Chennai |date=17 April 2003 |url=http://www.thehindubusinessline.in/2003/04/17/stories/2003041700461700.htm |access-date=14 November 2012}}</ref> The project, approved on 8 April 2003 and initially aimed to be completed by 2005, was later scrapped owing to the expected rate of return on the project being only 1 to 2 percent,<ref>{{cite news |last=Vydhianathan |first=S. |title=Central-Egmore rail link may fail to get official nod |location=Chennai |date=21 October 2002 |url=http://hindu.com/2002/10/21/stories/2002102102880500.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140416191604/http://hindu.com/2002/10/21/stories/2002102102880500.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=16 April 2014 |newspaper=[[The Hindu]] |access-date=14 November 2012}}</ref> poor soil conditions on the Poonamallee High Road,<ref>{{cite web |title=Metro – Urban – Suburban Systems |publisher=Irfca.org |url=http://www.irfca.org/faq/faq-metro.html#mad |access-date=13 November 2012}}</ref> and other issues.<ref>{{cite news |last=Balaji |first=J. |title=Central-Egmore link: Railways presses for NOC |location=Chennai |date=2 September 2008 |url=http://www.hindu.com/2008/09/02/stories/2008090258150100.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080903221249/http://www.hindu.com/2008/09/02/stories/2008090258150100.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=3 September 2008 |newspaper=[[The Hindu]] |access-date=14 November 2012}}</ref>


== Environmental impact ==
Chennai Central is serviced by buses operated by the [[Metropolitan Transport Corporation (Chennai)|Metropolitan Transport Corporation]], accessible from the bus lanes in front of the main entrance.<ref>{{cite news |title=Mini-bus facility at airport fails to take off |url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/article3350248.ece |first=Asha |last=Sridhar |date=25 April 2012 |work=[[The Hindu]] |location=Chennai |access-date=5 November 2012}}</ref> There are prepaid auto and taxi stands at the station premises.<ref>{{cite news |title=Auto and taxi drivers badly hit |url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/article3466783.ece |first=Lavanya |last=M |date=29 May 2012 |work=[[The Hindu]] |location=Chennai |access-date=4 November 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Autos in short supply at Chennai Central railway station |location=Chennai |date=3 January 2012 |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/Autos-in-short-supply-at-Chennai-Central-railway-station/articleshow/11346657.cms |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130103164647/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-01-03/chennai/30584112_1_prepaid-autorickshaw-counter-chennai-central-railway-station-passengers |url-status=live |archive-date=3 January 2013 |work=[[The Times of India]] |access-date=25 November 2012}}</ref>
The portion of the Buckingham canal running near the terminus and beneath Pallavan Salai is covered for 250&nbsp;m, which makes the task of maintaining the canal difficult. After being desilted in 1998, the covered stretch of the canal near the terminus was cleaned in September 2012. Garbage is dumped into the canal via the openings near the Chennai Central premises. An estimated 6,000&nbsp;cubic meters of silt was removed from the 2-m-deep canal.<ref name="Hindu_OutWithTheDirt">{{cite news |last=Lakshmi |first=K. |title=Out with the dirt: canal clean-up after 14 years |newspaper=The Hindu |location=Chennai |date=22 September 2012 |url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/out-with-the-dirt-canal-cleanup-after-14-years/article3923587.ece |access-date=18 November 2012}}</ref>


== Incidents ==
== Incidents ==
On 14 August 2006, a major fire broke out in Chennai Central, completely destroying a bookshop.<ref name="Fire-accident">{{cite news |title=Platform car at Chennai Central for elderly, disabled |newspaper=Business Line |location=Chennai |date=14 August 2006 |url=http://www.thehindubusinessline.in/2006/08/14/stories/2006081402611500.htm |access-date=8 November 2012}}</ref>
On 14 August 2006, a fire broke out at the station, which destroyed a book store.<ref>{{cite news |title=Platform car at Chennai Central for elderly, disabled |work=[[Business Line]] |date=14 August 2006 |url=http://www.thehindubusinessline.in/2006/08/14/stories/2006081402611500.htm |access-date=8 November 2012}}</ref>


On 29 April 2009, a suburban EMU train from [[Moore Market|Chennai Central Suburban terminal]] was hijacked by an unidentified man, who rammed it into a stationary goods train at the [[Vyasarpadi Jeeva railway station]], {{convert|4|km|mi}} northwest of Chennai Central. Four passengers were killed and 11 were injured.<ref>{{cite news |last=Vijaya Kumar |first=S. |author2=S. Vydhianathan |title=Hijack leads to train collision, 4 die |location=Chennai |date=30 April 2009 |url=http://www.hindu.com/2009/04/30/stories/2009043058200100.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090502133100/http://www.hindu.com/2009/04/30/stories/2009043058200100.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=2 May 2009 |newspaper=[[The Hindu]] |access-date=22 September 2012}}</ref> The train, which was scheduled to depart at 5:15&nbsp;am, started at 4:50&nbsp;am instead.<ref>{{cite news |title=Bizarre Rail Accident in Chennai Kills 4 |newspaper=Outlook India |location=Chennai |publisher=OutlookIndia.com |date=29 April 2009 |url=http://news.outlookindia.com/items.aspx?artid=659124 |access-date=22 September 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140416175943/http://news.outlookindia.com/items.aspx?artid=659124 |archive-date=16 April 2014}}</ref> The train was moving with a speed of 92&nbsp;km per hour with 35 passengers on board at the time of collision.<ref>{{cite news |title=7 killed in train accident in Tamil Nadu |newspaper=India Today |location=Chennai |publisher=IndiaToday.in |date=29 April 2009 |url=http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/7+killed+in+train+accident+in+Tamil+Nadu/1/39342.html |access-date=22 September 2012}}</ref>
On 29 April 2009, four passengers were killed and 11 were injured, when a suburban train was hijacked by an unidentified man, who later rammed it into a stationary [[cargo train|goods train]] at the [[Vyasarpadi Jeeva railway station]], {{cvt|4|km}} northwest of Chennai Central.<ref>{{cite news |last=Vijaya Kumar |first=S. |author2=S. Vydhianathan |title=Hijack leads to train collision, 4 die |date=30 April 2009 |url=http://www.hindu.com/2009/04/30/stories/2009043058200100.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090502133100/http://www.hindu.com/2009/04/30/stories/2009043058200100.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=2 May 2009 |work=[[The Hindu]] |access-date=22 September 2012}}</ref> The train, which was scheduled to depart at 5:15&nbsp;am, was hijacked at 4:50&nbsp;am, with 35 passengers onboard, and accelerated to {{cvt|92|kph}} before collision.<ref>{{cite news |title=Bizarre Rail Accident in Chennai Kills 4 |work=[[Outlook (Indian magazine)|Outlook]] |date=29 April 2009 |url=http://news.outlookindia.com/items.aspx?artid=659124 |access-date=22 September 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140416175943/http://news.outlookindia.com/items.aspx?artid=659124 |archive-date=16 April 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=7 killed in train accident in Tamil Nadu |work=[[India Today]] |date=29 April 2009 |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/latest-headlines/story/7-killed-in-train-accident-in-tamil-nadu-45948-2009-04-28 |access-date=22 September 2012}}</ref>


On 6 August 2012, a man hailing from Nepal perched atop the clock tower of the station's main building, creating a commotion. He was later safely persuaded back down the tower by the City Police and Southern Railway officials.<ref name="ManPerchesAtopClockTower">{{cite news |last=Sujatha |first=R. |title=Man perches atop clock tower of Chennai Central |newspaper=The Hindu |location=Chennai |date=7 August 2012 |url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/article3735388.ece |access-date=11 August 2012}}</ref>
On 6 August 2012, a man climbed atop the clock tower of the station's main building, and had to be brought back by the police and railway officials.<ref name="Clock"/>


On 1 May 2014, [[2014 Chennai train bombing|the station witnessed]] two low-intensity blasts in two coaches S4 and S5 of the stationary [[Guwahati–Bengaluru Cantt. Superfast Express]], killing one female passenger and injuring at least fourteen.<ref name="firstpost">{{cite web |url=http://www.firstpost.com/india/blasts-at-chennai-central-railway-station-kill-1-cops-detain-suspect-1503989.html |title=Blasts at Chennai Central railway station kill 1, cops detain suspect |work=First Post |access-date=1 May 2014}}</ref><ref name="indianexpress">{{cite news |last1=Mohan |first1=Gopu |title=1 killed and 14 injured after twin blasts hit train at Chennai station |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-others/live-blast-at-chennai-central-station-10-feared-injured-reports/ |access-date=14 July 2023 |work=The Indian Express |date=28 October 2014 |language=en}}</ref>
On 1 May 2014, two [[2014 Chennai train bombing|low-intensity blasts]] occurred in two coaches of the stationary [[Guwahati–Bengaluru Cantt. Superfast Express]], killing one female passenger and injuring at least fourteen others.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.firstpost.com/india/blasts-at-chennai-central-railway-station-kill-1-cops-detain-suspect-1503989.html |title=Blasts at Chennai Central railway station kill 1, cops detain suspect |work=[[Firstpost]] |date=May 2014 |access-date=1 May 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Mohan |first1=Gopu |title=1 killed and 14 injured after twin blasts hit train at Chennai station |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-others/live-blast-at-chennai-central-station-10-feared-injured-reports/ |access-date=14 July 2023 |work=[[The Indian Express]] |date=28 October 2014 }}</ref>


In April 2020, all trains were cancelled till 30 September, except Chennai Central - New Delhi Rajdhani Express due to [[COVID-19]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=Passengers stranded as 16 trains from, via Chennai cancelled due to COVID-19|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/chennai/2020/mar/18/passengers-stranded-as-16-trains-from-via-chennai-cancelled-due-to-covid-19-2118415.html|access-date=5 December 2020|website=The New Indian Express}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=After six months, train services from Chennai to Kerala and Karnataka to resume on Sunday|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/chennai/2020/sep/24/after-six-months-train-services-from-chennai-to-kerala-and-karnataka-to-resume-on-sunday-2201398.html|access-date=5 December 2020|website=The New Indian Express}}</ref>
In 2020, there were various disruption in train services due to [[COVID-19]], with majority of the services suspended for nearly six months.<ref>{{cite news|title=Passengers stranded as 16 trains from, via Chennai cancelled due to COVID-19|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/chennai/2020/mar/18/passengers-stranded-as-16-trains-from-via-chennai-cancelled-due-to-covid-19-2118415.html|access-date=5 December 2020|work=[[The New Indian Express]]|date=18 March 2020 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=After six months, train services from Chennai to Kerala and Karnataka to resume on Sunday|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/chennai/2020/sep/24/after-six-months-train-services-from-chennai-to-kerala-and-karnataka-to-resume-on-sunday-2201398.html|access-date=5 December 2020|work=[[The New Indian Express]]|date=24 September 2020 }}</ref>
 
== Security ==
In a first of its kind for the railways, a bomb disposal squad of the railway protection force, equipped with state-of-the-art gadgets imported at a cost of over {{INR}} 2.5&nbsp;million, was inaugurated at Chennai Central in May 2002. The squad functions round the clock and its personnel were trained at the [[National Security Guard]] Training Centre at Maneswar and the Tamil Nadu Commando School.<ref name="RPF_Bomb_Squad">{{cite news |title=RPF bomb squad for Chennai Central |location=Chennai |date=3 May 2002 |url=http://hindu.com/2002/05/04/stories/2002050401470500.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041230103711/http://www.hindu.com/2002/05/04/stories/2002050401470500.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=30 December 2004 |newspaper=[[The Hindu]] |access-date=14 November 2012}}</ref> In 2009, following the train accident at the [[Vyasarpadi Jeeva railway station]], surveillance cameras were installed at the suburban terminus platforms. A security boundary wall 200&nbsp;m long was erected along platform 14 to check unauthorised persons entering the station. Two security booths were planned, one each at the main terminus and the suburban terminus.<ref name="SRSanctions15CrScheme">{{cite news |title=S Railway sanctions Rs 15-cr scheme |location=Chennai |date=11 June 2009 |url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2009-06-11/chennai/28169059_1_security-scheme-southern-railway-surveillance-cameras |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130103131053/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2009-06-11/chennai/28169059_1_security-scheme-southern-railway-surveillance-cameras |url-status=dead |archive-date=3 January 2013 |newspaper=[[The Times of India]] |access-date=10 November 2012}}</ref> A government railway police (GRP) station is located on the first floor at the western end,<ref>{{cite news |last=Peter |first=Petlee |title=Rail passengers find it hard to locate police station |url=http://www.hindu.com/2009/05/25/stories/2009052558670400.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090529175047/http://www.hindu.com/2009/05/25/stories/2009052558670400.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=29 May 2009 |access-date=12 November 2012 |newspaper=[[The Hindu]] |date=25 May 2009}}</ref> headed by a [[Deputy superintendent|DSP]] and two inspectors.<ref>{{cite news |title=At Central, railway police feel the heat! |url=http://www.hindu.com/2005/05/21/stories/2005052113520300.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050523112623/http://www.hindu.com/2005/05/21/stories/2005052113520300.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=23 May 2005 |access-date=12 November 2012 |newspaper=[[The Hindu]] |date=21 May 2005}}</ref>
 
In 2009, 39 [[CCTV]] cameras were installed in the premises along with a control room.<ref>{{cite news |title=Central station CCTV nets its first suspect |url=http://www.hindu.com/2009/02/09/stories/2009020956700100.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090212125826/http://hindu.com/2009/02/09/stories/2009020956700100.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=12 February 2009 |access-date=12 November 2012 |newspaper=[[The Hindu]] |date=9 February 2009}}</ref> In 2012, about 120 [http://cctv.net.in/ CCTV cameras] are to be installed in Chennai Central.<ref name="high-tech integrated security system" /> In April 2012, the GRP and the [[Railway Protection Force]] (RPF) together launched a helpline known as ''Kaakum karangal'' (literally meaning 'Protecting hands'). This involved dividing the terminus into six sectors and deploying 24 police personnel for security.<ref>{{cite news |title=Railway police launches two helplines |newspaper=The Hindu |location=Chennai |date=1 May 2012 |url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/article3371573.ece |access-date=25 November 2012}}</ref>
 
On 15 November 2012, Integrated Security System (ISS) was launched at the station, which comprises sub-systems such as CCTV surveillance system with 54 IP-based cameras, under-vehicle scanning system (UVSS) for entries and exits, and personal and X-ray baggage screening system. In addition, explosive detection and disposal squad have been deployed. The sub-system will be integrated by networking and monitored at the centralised control rooms. Existing CCTV network of suburban platforms has also been integrated to this system.<ref name="high-tech integrated security system">{{cite news |last=Varma |first=M. Dinesh |title=Chennai Central, Egmore to come under high-tech security blanket |newspaper=The Hindu |location=Chennai |date=7 November 2012 |url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-tamilnadu/chennai-central-egmore-to-come-under-hightech-security-blanket/article4072722.ece |access-date=7 November 2012}}</ref><ref name="360degreesurvillance">{{cite news |title=Chennai Central gets 360-degree surveillance |newspaper=Deccan Chronicle |location=Chennai |date=16 November 2012 |url=http://www.deccanchronicle.com/channels/cities/chennai/chennai-central-gets-360-degree-surveillance-694 |access-date=29 November 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Hi-tech security system launched at Central, Egmore rail stations |newspaper=The Hindu |location=Chennai |date=16 November 2012 |url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/hitech-security-system-launched-at-central-egmore-rail-stations/article4099114.ece |access-date=24 November 2012}}</ref>
 
== Future ==
In 2004, a second terminal was planned near the Moore Market Complex, with six platforms to be constructed in the first phase of the project and four platforms each in the second and third phases. For additional infrastructure, the goods yard at [[Salt Cotaurs]] will be closed to provide more pit line and stabling line facilities for the new terminal.<ref name="Hindu_SecondTerminalProposed">{{cite news |last=Vydhianathan |first=S. |title=Second terminal at Chennai Central proposed |location=Chennai |date=26 October 2004 |url=http://www.hindu.com/2004/10/26/stories/2004102610770100.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041201070212/http://www.hindu.com/2004/10/26/stories/2004102610770100.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=1 December 2004 |newspaper=[[The Hindu]] |access-date=9 November 2012}}</ref>
 
In 2007, the Railway Board declared a plan to develop the terminus into a world-class one at a cost of {{INRConvert|200|m}},<ref>{{cite news |last=UNI |title=Chennai Central station to be upgraded |newspaper=One India News |location=Chennai |publisher=OneIndia.in |date=14 June 2007 |url=http://news.oneindia.in/2007/06/14/chennai-central-station-to-be-upgraded-1181808494.html |access-date=25 November 2012}}</ref> along with two other stations ([[Thiruvananthapuram Central]] and [[Mangalore Central]]),<ref name="Hindu_WorldClassIn5Years" /> and a high-level committee was formed in 2009 to expedite the project at a total cost of {{INRConvert|1000|m}}.<ref>{{cite news |last=Giri |first=Greeshma Gopal |title=Rs 100-cr facelift for Chennai Central Station |newspaper=The New Indian Express |location=Chennai |publisher=Express Publications |date=19 November 2009 |url=http://www.tniusnews.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=category&layout=blog&id=55&Itemid=89&limitstart=63 |access-date=13 November 2012}}</ref> The plan included creating multi-level platforms where express and suburban trains could arrive and depart from the same complex.<ref name="Hindu_WorldClassIn5Years">{{cite news |last=Kumar |first=S. Vijaya |title=Chennai Central station to get world-class facilities in 5 years |location=Chennai |date=10 August 2009 |url=http://www.hindu.com/2009/08/10/stories/2009081059280600.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090813071206/http://www.hindu.com/2009/08/10/stories/2009081059280600.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=13 August 2009 |newspaper=[[The Hindu]] |access-date=13 November 2012}}</ref> However, the project is yet to begin.<ref>{{cite news |last=Adimathra |first=George |title=Chennai Central plan diverted to slow line |newspaper=Deccan Chronicle |location=Chennai |date=30 March 2011 |url=http://www.deccanchronicle.com/channels/cities/chennai/chennai-central-plan-diverted-slow-line-579 |access-date=13 November 2012}}</ref>
 
In June 2012, the first skywalk in Chennai connecting Chennai Central, Park Railway Station and [[Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital]] was planned at a cost of {{INRConvert|200|m}}.<ref>{{cite news |title=First skywalk to link Chennai Central with GH |newspaper=The Hindu |location=Chennai |date=23 June 2012 |url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/states/tamil-nadu/article3559907.ece |access-date=23 June 2012}}</ref> It will be {{convert|1|km}} long, linking the station with nine points, including Evening Bazaar, Government Medical College and Ripon Buildings on Poonamallee High Road.
 
In February 2013, as part of a national initiative to eliminate ballast tracks at major stations, washable aprons—ballast-less tracks or tracks on a concrete bed—were installed along the entire length of tracks of platforms 3, 4 and 5 at the terminus. Washable aprons that are already present for a few metres in some of the platforms at the terminus will be extended, viz. {{convert|30|m}} on platform 3, {{convert|200|m}} on platform 4, and {{convert|50|m}} on platform 5, while new ones will be built on platforms with ballast tracks.<ref name="TOI_StationsToGetWashableTracks">{{cite news |last=Ayyappan |first=V. |title=Central, Egmore stns to get washable tracks |newspaper=The Times of India |location=Chennai |date=14 February 2013 |url=http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Default/Scripting/ArticleWin.asp?From=Archive&Source=Page&Skin=TOINEW&BaseHref=TOICH/2013/02/14&PageLabel=5&EntityId=Ar00504&ViewMode=HTML |access-date=17 February 2013}}</ref>
 
Chennai Central is among the 23 stations in the country that will be privatised as part of redevelopment under the BFOT (Build, Finance, Operate, Transfer) scheme. More passengers amenities will be provided on a 1.545-acre plot of land adjacent to the Moore Market Suburban complex allotted for commercial exploitation. Additional space for operational purposes, including the station master's room, passenger information centre, movement control room, Railway Protection Force control room containing closed circuit television (CCTV) cameras, Government Railway Police station, and Travelling Ticket Examiner chart room, covering a total of 2,873.76 square metres will be built.
{{multiple image
| align    = right
| caption_align = center
| direction = vertical
| width    = 202
| image1    = MG Ramachandran 2017 stamp of India.jpg
| caption1  = '''Dr. M.G. Ramachandran'''<br />Former Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu
}}
The developer will maintain the station premises for 15 years, while the lease period of the additional land and aerial space to be developed will be 45 years.<ref name="Hindu_MakeoverHitsABump">{{cite news |last=Srikanth |first=R. |title=Central Station Makeover Hits a Bump |newspaper=The Hindu |location=Chennai |date=11 June 2017 |url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/central-station-makeover-hits-a-bump/article18959259.ece |access-date=11 June 2017}}</ref>
 
In 2017, the state government proposed to build a commercial square called the [[Central Square, Chennai|Central Square]] in the around the station.<ref>{{cite news |title=Chennai to get Rs 400 crore 'Central Square' |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/Chennai-to-get-Rs-400-crore-Central-Square/articleshow/48978365.cms |date=16 September 2015 |work=[[The Times of India]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Sekar |first=Sunitha |author2=Aloysius Xavier Lopez and Deepa H. Ramakrishnan |title=CMRL plans a towering monolith near Central |newspaper=The Hindu |location=Chennai |date=14 September 2017 |url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/cmrl-plans-towering-monolith-near-central/article19679300.ece |access-date=30 September 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Sekar |first=Sunitha |title=One square to link them all |newspaper=The Hindu |location=Chennai |date=14 September 2017 |url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/one-square-to-link-them-all/article19679301.ece |access-date=30 September 2017}}</ref>
 
=== Renaming ===
On 6 March 2019, [[Prime Minister of India|Prime Minister]] [[Narendra Modi]] announced at the [[National Democratic Alliance]] political rally, which was held in [[Kancheepuram]] in the presence of then [[Minister of Railways (India)|Railways Minister]] [[Piyush Goyal]] that the iconic station will be renamed after the [[AIADMK]] founder and the former [[Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu]] [[M. G. Ramachandran]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Chennai Central railway station to be renamed after MGR: Modi announces |url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/chennai-central-railway-station-be-renamed-after-mgr-modi-announces-97853 |access-date=1 April 2019 |work=TheNewsMinute |date=6 March 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/chennai/2019/apr/09/central-station-sans-chennai-may-cause-confusion-among-commuters-1961965.html |title=Central station sans Chennai may cause confusion among commuters |date=9 April 2019 |access-date=14 June 2019 |work=The New Indian Express}}</ref>
 
On 5 April 2019, the station was officially renamed "''Puratchi Thalaivar Dr. M.G. Ramachandran Central Railway Station.''"<ref name="Hindustan Times"/>
 
The name is currently India's longest and the world's second-longest name for a railway station after [[Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch]] in [[Wales]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Nanisetti |first1=Serish |title=Chennai Central loses the honour of having longest railway station name by 1 letter |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/chennai-central-loses-the-honour-of-having-longest-railway-station-name-by-1-letter/article26831709.ece |access-date=16 April 2019 |work=The Hindu |date=14 April 2019}}</ref>


== In popular culture ==
== In popular culture ==
[[File:Stamp of India - 2009 - Colnect 159918 - Chennai Central Station.jpeg|thumb|250px|2009 commemorative stamp of Chennai Central]]
[[File:Stamp of India - 2009 - Colnect 159918 - Chennai Central Station.jpeg|thumb|2009 [[India Post]] commemorative stamp]]
Chennai Central railway station is one of the most prominent landmarks in the city that is often featured in movies and other pop culture in the region. The station has been used in numerous Indian novels and film and television productions over the years. Many films and television programs have been filmed at the station, including:<!--THIS IS AN INCOMPLETE LIST-->
 
* ''[[Cochin Express]]'' (1967) ([[Malayalam language|Malayalam]])<ref>{{cite web |last=Vardhan |first=Harsh |title=Indian Steam in Cinema |publisher=IRFCA.org |date=October 2006 |url=http://irfca.org/articles/cinema-steam.html |access-date=17 November 2012}}</ref>
* ''[[No.20 Madras Mail]]'' (1990) ([[Malayalam language|Malayalam]])
* ''[[Kadhal Kottai]]'' (1996) ([[Tamil language|Tamil]])
* ''[[Mudhalvan]]'' (1999) ([[Tamil language|Tamil]])
* ''[[Kushi (2000 film)|Kushi]]'' (2000) ([[Tamil language|Tamil]])
* ''[[Roja Kootam]]'' (2002) ([[Tamil language|Tamil]])
* ''[[Madrasapattinam]]'' (2010) ([[Tamil language|Tamil]])
* ''[[Siruthai]]'' (2011) ([[Tamil language|Tamil]])
* ''[[Thodari]]'' (2016) ([[Tamil language|Tamil]])
* ''[[Bigil]]'' (2019) ([[Tamil language|Tamil]])


The station has been poetized by [[Vijay Nambisan]] in his 1988 award-winning poem '[[Madras Central (poem)|Madras Central]]' published in 1989. The poem is regarded as a modern classic.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.indianpoetry.org/awardsgeneral.htm |title=Award Winning Poems – AIPC 1988 |access-date=7 November 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924034355/http://www.indianpoetry.org/awardsgeneral.htm |archive-date=24 September 2015 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://indiauncut.com/iublog/article/madras-central-vijay-nambisan/ |title=India Uncut – ''Madras Central'' by Nambisan |access-date=7 November 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151208092415/http://indiauncut.com/iublog/article/madras-central-vijay-nambisan/ |archive-date=8 December 2015 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
Chennai Central has featured in various media and other pop culture in the region. Many films and television programs have been filmed at the station and the surroundings.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/when-tamil-cinema-and-railways-cross-tracks-in-chennai/article69928044.ece |title=When Tamil cinema and railways cross tracks in Chennai |date=18 August 2025 |access-date=1 January 2026 |work=[[The Hindu]] }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Vardhan |first=Harsh |title=Indian Steam in Cinema |publisher=IRFCA.org |date=October 2006 |url=http://irfca.org/articles/cinema-steam.html |access-date=17 November 2012}}</ref>


In 2009, the [[India Post|Department of Posts]] featured Chennai Central in a [[postal stamp]].<ref name="Central-Postal Stamp">{{cite news |last=Mariappan |first=Julie |title=Ripon Buildings to get stamp of recognition |location=Chennai |date=13 July 2010 |url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2010-07-13/chennai/28278943_1_special-postage-philatelic-bureau-stamp |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110909194527/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2010-07-13/chennai/28278943_1_special-postage-philatelic-bureau-stamp |url-status=dead |archive-date=9 September 2011 |newspaper=[[The Times of India]] |access-date=9 November 2012}}</ref>
The station was the subject of a 1989 poem ''[[Madras Central (poem)|Madras Central]]'' by [[Vijay Nambisan]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.indianpoetry.org/awardsgeneral.htm |title=Award Winning Poems |work=Indian Poetry |access-date=7 November 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924034355/http://www.indianpoetry.org/awardsgeneral.htm |archive-date=24 September 2015 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://indiauncut.com/iublog/article/madras-central-vijay-nambisan/ |title=''Madras Central'' by Nambisan |work=India Uncut |access-date=7 November 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151208092415/http://indiauncut.com/iublog/article/madras-central-vijay-nambisan/ |archive-date=8 December 2015 |url-status=dead }}</ref> In 2009, [[India Post]] released a [[postal stamp]] featuring the station.<ref>{{cite news |last=Mariappan |first=Julie |title=Ripon Buildings to get stamp of recognition |location=Chennai |date=13 July 2010 |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/Ripon-Buildings-to-get-stamp-of-recognition/articleshow/6160667.cms |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110909194527/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2010-07-13/chennai/28278943_1_special-postage-philatelic-bureau-stamp |url-status=live |archive-date=9 September 2011 |work=[[The Times of India]] |access-date=9 November 2012}}</ref>


== See also ==
== See also ==
* [[Railway stations in Chennai]]
* [[Architecture of Chennai]]
* [[Transport in Chennai]]
* [[Transport in Chennai]]
* [[Architecture of Chennai]]
* [[Heritage structures in Chennai]]


== References ==
== References ==
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* {{Commons category-inline}}
* {{Commons category-inline}}


{{Adjacent communities
| title    = '''Areas around Chennai Central'''
| Northwest = [[Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Chennai|Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium]]
| North    = [[Basin Bridge (Chennai Suburban Railway)|Basin Bridge Junction]]
| Northeast = [[Wall Tax Road, Chennai|V.O.C. Salai]]
| West      = [[Ripon Building]]
| Centre    = Dr. M.G.R. Chennai Central
| East      = [[Southern Railway headquarters, Chennai|Southern Railways headquarters]]
| Southwest = [[Chennai Park|Park railway station]]
| South    = [[Chennai Park Town (Chennai MRTS)|Park Town MRTS station]]
| Southeast = [[Government General Hospital, Chennai|Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital]]
}}
{{Chennai Topics|left}}
{{Chennai Topics|left}}
{{Transport in Chennai}}
{{Transport in Chennai}}
{{Railway stations in Tamil Nadu}}
{{Railway stations in Tamil Nadu}}
{{Railways in Southern India}}
{{Railways in Southern India}}
{{Top 100 booking stations of Indian Railways}}
{{Portal bar|India|Transport|Engineering}}
{{Portal bar|India|Transport|Engineering}}


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[[Category:British colonial architecture in India]]
[[Category:British colonial architecture in India]]
[[Category:Heritage sites in Chennai]]
[[Category:Heritage sites in Chennai]]
[[Category:Railway centrals in India]]

Latest revision as of 00:14, 28 March 2026


Chennai Central
Puratchi Thalaivar Dr. M.G. Ramachandran Central Railway Station
Front facade of Chennai Central
Other names
  • Chennai Central
  • Madras Central
  • M.G.R. Chennai Central
LocationPoonamallee High Road, Periamet, Chennai
India
Coordinates13°04′57″N 80°16′30″E / 13.0825°N 80.2750°E / 13.0825; 80.2750
Elevation3.465 m (11.37 ft)
Owned byMinistry of Railways, Government of India
Operated byIndian Railways
Line(s)
Platforms17
(12 main station + 5 Chennai Suburban Terminal)
Connections
Construction
ParkingAvailable
Architect
Architectural style
Other information
StatusOperational
Station codeMAS[2]
Zone(s) Southern Railway zone
Division(s) Chennai
History
Opened1873; 153 years ago (1873)
Electrified1931; 95 years ago (1931)
Passengers
730,000 per day (2023)[3]
Services
per day (2023)[3]
Location
Chennai Central Puratchi Thalaivar Dr. M.G. Ramachandran Central Railway Station is located in Chennai
Chennai Central Puratchi Thalaivar Dr. M.G. Ramachandran Central Railway Station
Chennai Central
Puratchi Thalaivar Dr. M.G. Ramachandran Central Railway Station
Location within Chennai
Lua error in Module:Infobox_mapframe at line 197: attempt to index field 'wikibase' (a nil value).
Interactive map

Chennai Central (officially Puratchi Thalaivar Dr. M.G. Ramachandran Central Railway Station, formerly Madras Central) (station code: MAS), is a railway station in Chennai, India. It is one of the busiest railway stations in South India, being the second largest revenue generating station in India and is a major rail hub in the country.[4] It is classified as a NSG–1 category station and comes under the purview of the Chennai railway division of the Southern Railway zone of the Indian Railways.[5] It is situated in the neighbourhood of Periamet, with the main entrance situated on the Poonamallee High road. It caters to various inter-city express trains, with multiple units, and suburban services operating from the adjacent suburban terminal.

The Madras Central station was built in 1873 and became the terminus of the Madras Railway in the city. The building was designed by architect George Harding and was further modified as per the design of Robert Chisholm in 1900. Designed in a mixed Gothic Revival and Romanesque architecture, it is one of the prominent landmarks in Chennai. The station had undergone a series of renovations since then. It became part of the Madras and Southern Mahratta Railway in 1908, and later as a part of the Southern Railway zone of the Indian Railways in 1951. The station underwent modifications and expansions in 1959.

The railway lines at the station was electrified in 1979. The Moore Market Complex, adjacent to the main terminal, was opened in 1986 to accommodate suburban services, and ticket offices. The station underwent further expansion in 1998, with the addition of a new building to the west. It was renamed to Chennai Central in 1998 to reflect the name change of the city from Madras to Chennai in 1996. It was rechristened in honour of former chief minister M. G. Ramachandran on 5 April 2019. After the renaming, it became the second-longest name of a railway station after the station at Llanfair in Wales.[6]

As of 2024, it is the third highest revenue earning station of the Indian Railways.[4] As per a 2007 report published by the Indian Railways, the station was rated as one of the cleanest in South India.[7]

History[edit | edit source]

Construction and early development[edit | edit source]

Central station as seen from the Buckingham Canal c. 1880

The first railway line in India became operational in Madras in 1837.[8][9][10] The Madras Railway was established in 1845,[9] and the first main line in South India between Royapuram and Arcot became operational on 1 July 1856.[11] The extension of the line to Vyasarpadi, required a second station in Madras.[12][13]

In 1873, Madras Central was established as a second terminus to decongest the Royapuram station, which was later used for port movements. The station with four platforms, was built at Park Town around the slopes of Periamet. It came up on an open area, which was once owned by Joao Pereira, a Portuguese merchant, who settled in Madras in the 17th century CE, and later fell into disuse.[12][13] The station underwent further modifications, which were completed in 1900.[13]

Central station – Tucks Oilette (1911)[14]

In 1907, the Madras Central station became the main terminus of the Madras Railway,[15] after the line from beach was extended further south, and trains were then terminated at the station rather than Royapuram. The Madras and Southern Mahratta Railway was formed in 1908 and took over the administration of the station from the Madras Railway.[13][16] The headquarters of the railway company was built adjacent to the station in 1922.[17] With the opening of the Chennai Egmore railway station in 1908, plans were made to link Madras Central and Egmore.[15] In 1931, electric traction was introduced on the suburban route Madras beach and Tambaram.[18][19]

Expansion and further development[edit | edit source]

The suburban terminal at Moore Market Complex (left), added in 1986, with platforms of the main terminal (right)

In 1951, the station became part of the Southern Railway zone of the Indian Railways. In 1959, the station was expanded and additional changes were made to the layout.[13] The electrifiction of the main lines at the station began in 1979, with the tracks along the seven platforms electrified on 29 December 1979.[20] In the 1980s, the Southern Railway started looking for land for the expansion of the station. When the adjacent Moore Market building was destroyed in a fire in 1985, the state government transferred the land to the Railways. The 13-storied Moore Market Complex opened in 1986 and houses the suburban terminus, railway reservation counters, and other offices.[21] Following the renaming of the city of Madras in 1996, the station became known as Chennai Central.[13]

Side view of the west extension building added in 1998

To cater to increasing passenger movement, the main building was extended in 1998 with the addition of a new building on the western side with a similar architecture to the original, and the number of platforms increased to 12.[13] In the late 1990s, IRCTC installed modular stalls and food plazas along the platforms.[22] In 2005, the buildings were re-painted in light brown, and were quickly repainted in the original brick-red colour after a public campaign.[23]

In the 2000s, there were multiple plans for further expansion and development of the station, including plans for a second terminal near the Moore Market Complex,[24] and multi-level platforms to accommodate intercity and suburban services at various levels.[25][26][27] However, the projects did not materialise.[28] In 2013, ballast-less tracks were expanded to all.[29] In the mid 2010s, the Indian Railways announced plans for redevelopment of the station with private partnership.[30] In 2017, the Central Square was developed in the area around the station.[31][32][33] In February 2019, a 100 ft (30 m) flag mast was installed at the front of the main building of the station at a cost of 1.5 million (US$21,000).[34] On 6 March 2019, the prime minister Narendra Modi announced that the station will be renamed after M. G. Ramachandran, the former chief minister of Tamil Nadu.[35][36] On 5 April 2019, the station was officially renamed as "Puratchi Thalaivar Dr. M.G. Ramachandran Central Railway Station".[37]

Layout and architecture[edit | edit source]

Panoramic view in 2008

Chennai Central lies on the intersection of Poonamallee High road, Pallavan Salai, and Wall Tax Road in the Park Town area in Central Chennai. The main entrance is located on the Poonamallee High road, with the eastern side opening on to the Wall Tax road, and the western entrance leading to the suburban terminal.[38] The Buckingham Canal runs beneath the main and suburban terminals. As the portion of canal running near the terminus is covered for about 250 m (820 ft), it often leads to garbage accumulation and necessitates regular desilting.[39]

The main terminal of the station is spread over an area of 51,182 m2 (550,920 sq ft) with a built up area of 14,062 m2 (151,360 sq ft).[40] The building was originally designed by George Harding and built in the Gothic Revival and Romanesque Revival architecture in 1873.[13][41][42] The station was modified further by the design of Robert Fellowes Chisholm, with the addition of the central clock tower, caps on the main towers, and other changes, and the redesign was eventually completed in 1900.[13][43] It has been declared as a heritage building.[44] The clock tower, the tallest of the towers of the main building, has four faces and reaches a height of 136 ft (41 m)[45] The clock is set to chime every quarter of an hour and every hour.[13][22] The station building has been painted in maroon colour since its inception in 1873.[46]


Infrastructure[edit | edit source]

A platform at the station
Main concourse

The station has 17 bay platforms including five at the suburban terminal. The platforms one to eleven, averaging about 600 m (2,000 ft) in length, can accommodate trains with up to 24 coaches. A shorter platform designated as 2A, can accommodate trains with 18 coaches.[47][48] There are various waiting areas with the main waiting hall capable of accommodating up to 1,000 people.[49] However, the main concourses are often crowded.[50] The station has three split-flap timing boards,[51] and electronic display boards, that mention train timings and platform number.[52][53] There are seven passenger operated enquiry terminals,[54] a passenger information center, and information kiosks.[55] However, most platforms are not equipped with individual coach position display boards.[56] On 26 September 2014, Chennai Central became the first in the country to get free Wi-Fi connectivity. The facility is being provided by RailTel, a public sector telecom infrastructure provider.[57]

There are various commercial establishments such as bookshops, restaurants, and eateries inside the station. Drinking water is supplied by taps located along the platforms.[58] In September 2018, a 5,000-litre reverse osmosis plant was commissioned in the station, with the water distributed through kiosks located across the platforms.[59] The station has about ten toilets.[60] Licensed railway porters provide baggage services to the passengers.[61] Four-seater battery operated vehicles are available for ferrying passengers.[62] Following a Madras High Court order in 2012,[63][64] a medical care centre was opened on 15 April 2013.[65] The centre has three beds, and is staffed with three doctors, four nurses, and a paramedic team. It is equipped with oxygen cylinders, an electrocardiogram, a defibrillator, resuscitation equipment, and an ambulance.[66]

The station has parking facilities for about 1,000 two-wheelers, and four-wheelers each.[67][68] A premium car park, with a capacity to accommodate 80 cars, is located between the main building and suburban terminal.[69][70] The station is divided into two zones for cleaning and maintenance, staffed by about 70 personnel.[71] Trains arriving at the station undergo primary maintenance, which involves exterior and interior cleaning, filling water, cleaning of toilets, and required mechanical and electrical overhaul. About 405 maintenance employees are employed by the Indian Railways.[72][73][74]

Security[edit | edit source]

The Railway Protection Force is responsible for the security of the station. A government railway police station is located on the first floor,[75] and is headed by a deputy superintendent.[76] The police operate a helpline known as Kaakum karangal ('Protecting hands'). The station is divided into six sectors and is staffed by 24 police personnel.[77] In May 2022, a bomb squad started functioning at the station.[78] In 2009, a security boundary wall was erected along the western side, and surveillance cameras were installed at the platforms in the suburban terminal. Two security booths were established, one each at the main and the suburban terminii.[79] In 2009, 39 CCTV cameras were installed in the main terminal and a central control room was established.[80] In 2012, about 120 cameras were added in the station.[81] On 15 November 2012, an integrated security system was launched at the station, which included installation of 54 IP-based cameras, under-vehicle scanning system at entries and exits, and personal and X-ray baggage screening systems. In addition, explosive detection and disposal squads were deployed. Existing cameras were also integrated to the news system.[82][83]

Network and services[edit | edit source]

Vande Bharat Express at the station

Chennai Central serves as one of the terminii of the various trunk routes of the Indian Railways viz. Chennai–Bengaluru, Chennai–Howrah, Chennai–Mumbai, and Chennai–New Delhi.[84] The terminus is connected to the nearby Egmore station, by a circuitous 11.2 km (7.0 mi) route via Chennai Beach. While there were proposals to connect the two termini by means of an elevated track,[85][86] the plan was late dropped.[87][88] It is a terminal station, and the lines branch out from the nearby Basin Bridge Junction, which results in congestion and traffic challenges due to the non-availability of platforms at Chennai Central.[24] A bridge across the Buckingham Canal connects the terminus with the railway yards and stations to the north. The 33.02 m (108.3 ft)-long bridge, carries six tracks, and was completed in March 2011.[89]

Chennai Central is one of the busiest railway stations in South India and a major rail hub in the country.[4] As of 2023, it handles about 200 Mail/Express trains, and the suburban terminus handles about 1000 Suburban/Multiple Unit services daily. It handles about 730,000 passengers per day.[3] The station is also a major transit point for freight trains. It handles sea food and other cargo from the port.[90] It also serves as a main transit station for India Post.[91] In 2024, the station generated a revenue of 12.993 billion (US$180 million), and was the third highest revenue earning station of the Indian Railways.[4]

Yards and sheds[edit | edit source]

A coach maintenance depot is located at the northern side of the terminus, where trains are checked, cleaned and readied for the next trips. It is the largest train care centre under the Southern Railway, and is equipped with 14 pit lines including two lines to accommodate 24-coach trains, and the rest designed to park 18-coach trains.[92][93] The Water used for washing are out into the Buckingham Canal by means of drainage channels. However, as the yard is located in a basin area, water does not drain quickly enough,[94] and leads to pest infestation and other hygiene issues.[95][96]

The terminus has a trip shed for housing electric locomotives, located to the north of the train care centre.[97] Locomotive sheds at Royapuram, and Tondiarpet, also serve for housing locomotives.[98] There is a goods shed at Salt Cotaurs.[99]

Connectivity[edit | edit source]

Thoroughfare at Central Square

The station forms an important junction for various lines of the suburban network. Moore Market complex, serves as the hub for suburban trains on the North, West, West North, and West South lines.[100][101] The Chennai Park suburban station, that forms part of the South, and South West lines, is situated across the Central station. The Park Town station, which is part of the Chennai MRTS network, is located adjacent to the Park station.[100][101] The Central metro station, serves as the intersection of the Blue and Green Lines of the Chennai metro. A series of subways and passageways in the Central Square connect the station to the other side of the road, and the nearby suburban and metro stations.[102][103] However, jaywalking prevails as a substantial number of commuters prefer crossing the road, at times resulting in accidents.[104][105]

Chennai Central is serviced by buses operated by the Metropolitan Transport Corporation, accessible from the bus lanes in front of the main entrance.[106] There are prepaid auto and taxi stands at the station premises.[107][108]

Incidents[edit | edit source]

On 14 August 2006, a fire broke out at the station, which destroyed a book store.[109]

On 29 April 2009, four passengers were killed and 11 were injured, when a suburban train was hijacked by an unidentified man, who later rammed it into a stationary goods train at the Vyasarpadi Jeeva railway station, 4 km (2.5 mi) northwest of Chennai Central.[110] The train, which was scheduled to depart at 5:15 am, was hijacked at 4:50 am, with 35 passengers onboard, and accelerated to 92 km/h (57 mph) before collision.[111][112]

On 6 August 2012, a man climbed atop the clock tower of the station's main building, and had to be brought back by the police and railway officials.[45]

On 1 May 2014, two low-intensity blasts occurred in two coaches of the stationary Guwahati–Bengaluru Cantt. Superfast Express, killing one female passenger and injuring at least fourteen others.[113][114]

In 2020, there were various disruption in train services due to COVID-19, with majority of the services suspended for nearly six months.[115][116]

In popular culture[edit | edit source]

2009 India Post commemorative stamp

Chennai Central has featured in various media and other pop culture in the region. Many films and television programs have been filmed at the station and the surroundings.[117][118]

The station was the subject of a 1989 poem Madras Central by Vijay Nambisan.[119][120] In 2009, India Post released a postal stamp featuring the station.[121]

See also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]

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