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{{short description|Railway terminus in | {{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)}} | ||
{{Use Indian English|date=May 2024}} | |||
{{Use Indian English|date= | {{Use dmy dates|date=May 2024}} | ||
{{Use dmy dates|date= | |||
{{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 | ||
| other_name = {{ubl |Chennai Central |Madras Central |M.G.R. Chennai Central}} | |||
| | | native_name_lang = | ||
| | | image = Chennai Central .jpg | ||
| image = | | image_caption = Front facade of Chennai Central | ||
| image_caption = | | address = [[Poonamallee High Road]], [[Periamet]], [[Chennai]] | ||
| address = | | system = {{ubl|[[Indian Railways]]|[[Chennai Suburban Railway]]}} | ||
| | | 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 = {{ | | elevation = {{cvt|3.465|m|ft}} | ||
| owned = Government of India | | owned = [[Ministry of Railways (India)|Ministry of Railways]], [[Government of India]] | ||
| operator = | | operator = [[Indian Railways]] | ||
| line = [[ | | 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 | | platform = 17<br/>(12 main station + 5 [[Moore Market Complex railway station|Chennai Suburban Terminal]]) | ||
| tracks = | | tracks = | ||
| other = [[Metropolitan Transport Corporation (Chennai)|MTC]] | | other = {{ubl |[[Metropolitan Transport Corporation (Chennai)|MTC]] | | ||
| | [[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 | ||
| | | accessible = {{Access icon|20px}} | ||
| status = | | 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}} | | opened = {{start date and age|df=yes|1873}} | ||
| closed = | | closed = | ||
| rebuilt = | | rebuilt = | ||
| | | electrified = {{start date and age|df=yes|1931}} | ||
| former = | |||
| 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> | |||
| pass_year = | | pass_year = | ||
| pass_percent = | | pass_percent = | ||
| services = | | 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''' | '''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 | 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 | 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> | ||
{{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 == | ||
=== Construction and early development === | |||
[[File:Central Railway Station, Madras 1880.jpg|thumb|left|Central station as seen from the [[Buckingham Canal]] {{circa|1880}}]] | |||
| | |||
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 | 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"/> | ||
[[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>]] | |||
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 | |||
=== 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)]] | |||
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:Chennai_Central_side.jpg|thumb|left|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.<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> | |||
{{ | 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> | ||
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== Layout and architecture == | |||
[[File:Chennai Central Station panorama.jpg|thumb|Panoramic view in 2008]] | |||
=== | 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> | ||
[[ | 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> | ||
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> | |||
== Infrastructure == | |||
[[File:Kovai Express 2017 (2).jpg|thumb|A platform at the station]] | |||
[[File:Central_Railway_Station_interior_vrvbaan042k24_(108).jpg|thumb|Main concourse]] | |||
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> | |||
=== | 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> | ||
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> | |||
The | === 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> | |||
== | == Network and services == | ||
[[File:Chennai Central Mysuru Mini VB Express train.jpg|thumb|[[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 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> | |||
[[ | |||
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"/> | |||
| url = https:// | |||
== 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> | |||
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> | |||
== Connectivity == | == Connectivity == | ||
[[File: | [[File:Central Square park.jpg|thumb|Thoroughfare at [[Central Square, Chennai|Central Square]]]] | ||
The | 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> | ||
[[ | |||
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> | |||
== Incidents == | == Incidents == | ||
On 14 August 2006, a | 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 | 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 am, was hijacked at 4:50 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 | 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| | 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 | 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> | ||
== In popular culture == | == In popular culture == | ||
[[File:Stamp of India - 2009 - Colnect 159918 - Chennai Central Station.jpeg|thumb | [[File:Stamp of India - 2009 - Colnect 159918 - Chennai Central Station.jpeg|thumb|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.<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 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 == | ||
* [[ | * [[Architecture of Chennai]] | ||
* [[Transport in Chennai]] | * [[Transport in Chennai]] | ||
== References == | == References == | ||
| Line 280: | Line 146: | ||
* {{Commons category-inline}} | * {{Commons category-inline}} | ||
{{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}} | ||
{{Portal bar|India|Transport|Engineering}} | {{Portal bar|India|Transport|Engineering}} | ||
| Line 306: | Line 159: | ||
[[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 |
| |
| Location | Poonamallee High Road, Periamet, Chennai India | |
| Coordinates | 13°04′57″N 80°16′30″E / 13.0825°N 80.2750°E | |
| Elevation | 3.465 m (11.37 ft) | |
| Owned by | Ministry of Railways, Government of India | |
| Operated by | Indian Railways | |
| Line(s) | ||
| Platforms | 17 (12 main station + 5 Chennai Suburban Terminal) | |
| Connections | ||
| Construction | ||
| Parking | Available | |
| Architect |
| |
| Architectural style | ||
| Other information | ||
| Status | Operational | |
| Station code | MAS[2] | |
| Zone(s) | Southern Railway zone | |
| Division(s) | Chennai | |
| History | ||
| Opened | 1873 | |
| Electrified | 1931 | |
| Passengers | ||
| 730,000 per day (2023)[3] | ||
| Services | ||
| ||
| Location | ||
| 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[update], 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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]


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]

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[update], 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]

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]

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]
- ↑ "Origin and development of Southern Railway" (PDF). Shodhganga. p. 6. Retrieved 25 December 2013.
- ↑ "Station Code Index" (PDF). Centre For Railway Information Systems. 2023–24. p. 5. Archived from the original (PDF) on 16 February 2024. Retrieved 23 March 2024.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 Anbuselvan, B. (27 February 2023). "Chennai Central becomes India's first 'silent' railway station". The New Indian Express. Retrieved 7 May 2024.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 Indian Railways Station Classification, Revenue, and Footfall data for 2024. Indian Railways (Report). Retrieved 1 June 2025.
- ↑ "Southern Railway List of Stations" (PDF). Centre For Railway Information Systems. 1 April 2023. p. 1. Archived from the original (PDF) on 23 March 2024. Retrieved 23 March 2024.
- ↑ Nanisetti, Serish (14 April 2019). "Chennai Central loses the honour of having longest railway station name by 1 letter". The Hindu. Retrieved 16 April 2019.
- ↑ "Cleanliness and Sanitation on Indian Railways" (PDF). Indian Railways. Archived from the original (PDF) on 24 April 2014. Retrieved 19 November 2012.
- ↑ Smith, John Thomas (1839). Reports, Correspondence and Original Papers on Various Professional Subjects Connected with the Duties of the Corps of Engineers, Madras Presidency. R. W. Thorpe. Archived from the original on 13 July 2023. Retrieved 17 March 2023.
- ↑ 9.0 9.1 Understanding Indian Railway Heritage (PDF) (Report). Indian Railways. p. 6. Archived (PDF) from the original on 26 December 2023. Retrieved 1 December 2023.
- ↑ "Chennai: The track record". New Indian Express. 16 April 2018. Archived from the original on 12 August 2023. Retrieved 9 August 2023.
- ↑ "On Forgotten Road". The Times of India. 31 March 2013. Archived from the original on 12 August 2023. Retrieved 9 August 2023.
- ↑ 12.0 12.1 "The Railway of the South". The Hindu. 5 March 2003. Archived from the original on 16 November 2003. Retrieved 6 November 2012.
- ↑ 13.00 13.01 13.02 13.03 13.04 13.05 13.06 13.07 13.08 13.09 Kurian, Nimi (18 August 2006). "Long history of service". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 20 August 2006. Retrieved 3 November 2012.
- ↑ "Madras Series A: Central Station". TuckDB. Retrieved 24 January 2015.
- ↑ 15.0 15.1 Muthiah, S. (6 May 2012). "Integrating transport". The Hindu. Retrieved 3 November 2012.
- ↑ "The South's first station". The Hindu. 26 February 2003. Archived from the original on 2 July 2003. Retrieved 12 November 2012.
- ↑ "Evolution of Indian Railways-Historical Background". Ministry of Railways. Archived from the original on 1 June 2009.
- ↑ "Brief on Railway Electrification". Indian Railways. Archived from the original on 26 September 2015. Retrieved 1 November 2016.
- ↑ Report on the Administration of the Madras Presidency During the Year 1875–76. Government Press. 1877. p. 260.
- ↑ "History of Electrification". IRFCA. Retrieved 17 November 2012.
- ↑ Sriram, V. (10 October 2008). "To market, to market..." India Today. Retrieved 29 November 2012.
- ↑ 22.0 22.1 Narayanan, Arjun; Khaja, Fathima (23 August 2013). "On the Track". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 26 January 2014.
- ↑ Vydhianathan, S. (7 March 2005). "Chennai Central gets back its brick-red colour". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 9 March 2005. Retrieved 12 November 2012.
- ↑ 24.0 24.1 Vydhianathan, S. (26 October 2004). "Second terminal at Chennai Central proposed". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 1 December 2004. Retrieved 9 November 2012.
- ↑ "Chennai Central station to be upgraded". One India. 14 June 2007. Archived from the original on 3 March 2014. Retrieved 25 November 2012.
- ↑ Giri, Greeshma Gopal (19 November 2009). "Rs 100-cr facelift for Chennai Central Station". The New Indian Express. Retrieved 13 November 2012.
- ↑ Kumar, S. Vijaya (10 August 2009). "Chennai Central station to get world-class facilities in 5 years". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 13 August 2009. Retrieved 13 November 2012.
- ↑ Adimathra, George (30 March 2011). "Chennai Central plan diverted to slow line". Deccan Chronicle. Archived from the original on 9 April 2023. Retrieved 13 November 2012.
- ↑ Ayyappan, V. (14 February 2013). "Puratchi Thalaivar Dr. M. G. Ramachandran Central Railway Station, Chennai Egmore Railway Station to get washable tracks". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 17 February 2013.
- ↑ Srikanth, R. (11 June 2017). "Central Station Makeover Hits a Bump". The Hindu. Retrieved 11 June 2017.
- ↑ "Chennai to get Rs 400 crore 'Central Square'". The Times of India. 16 September 2015.
- ↑ Sekar, Sunitha; Aloysius Xavier Lopez and Deepa H. Ramakrishnan (14 September 2017). "CMRL plans a towering monolith near Central". The Hindu. Retrieved 30 September 2017.
- ↑ Sekar, Sunitha (14 September 2017). "One square to link them all". The Hindu. Retrieved 30 September 2017.
- ↑ "Tricolour flies at a 100-ft high at Central". The Hindu. 16 February 2019. Retrieved 1 March 2019.
- ↑ "Chennai Central railway station to be renamed after MGR: Modi announces". The News Minute. 6 March 2019. Retrieved 1 April 2019.
- ↑ "Central station sans Chennai may cause confusion among commuters". The New Indian Express. 9 April 2019. Retrieved 14 June 2019.
- ↑ M, Manikandan (5 April 2019). "Chennai Central railway station renamed after AIADMK founder MGR". The Hindustan Times. Retrieved 16 April 2019.
- ↑ "Chennai Central stn on alert after intel warns of 'attack'". The Times of India. Chennai. 19 May 2010. Archived from the original on 2 January 2014. Retrieved 25 November 2012.
- ↑ Lakshmi, K. (22 September 2012). "Out with the dirt: canal clean-up after 14 years". The Hindu. Retrieved 18 November 2012.
- ↑ Srikanth, R. (11 June 2017). "Central Station Makeover Hits a Bump". The Hindu. Retrieved 11 June 2017.
- ↑ "Brief History of the Division" (PDF). Indian Railways. Retrieved 26 October 2012.
- ↑ Venkataraman, G. "History of Historical Building and Monuments in and around Chennai" (PDF). Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority. Retrieved 2 November 2012.
- ↑ Madras – The Architectural Heritage. p. 53. ISBN 81-901640-0-7.
- ↑ "Roorkee experts to help save heritage". The Hindu. 9 June 2012. Retrieved 23 November 2012.
- ↑ 45.0 45.1 Sujatha, R. (7 August 2012). "Man perches atop clock tower of Chennai Central". The Hindu. Retrieved 11 August 2012.
- ↑ Madhavan, D. (27 October 2015). "Chennai Central Station gets facelift after 5 years". The Hindu. Retrieved 1 March 2019.
- ↑ Srikanth, R. (24 November 2009). "Four platforms to be extended at Chennai Central Station". The Hindu. Chennai. Archived from the original on 27 November 2009. Retrieved 8 November 2012.
- ↑ Venkat, Vidya (22 May 2008). "Cleaning machines offer little help to sanitary workers at Central Station". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 1 June 2008. Retrieved 7 November 2012.
- ↑ Sundaram, Ram M (29 December 2015). "When Mr Bean Comes Calling at the Central Railway Station". The New Indian Express. Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 3 January 2016.
- ↑ Ananthakrishnan, G. (5 November 2012). "A waste of Central space". The Hindu. Retrieved 7 November 2012.
- ↑ Velupillai, Krishna (3 January 2008). "New timing boards at Chennai central station". The Hindu. Retrieved 13 November 2012.
- ↑ "Return of display boards brings cheer to rail passengers". The Hindu. Chennai. 6 June 2012. Retrieved 11 August 2012.
- ↑ "New display facility at Central". The Hindu. 30 November 2009. Archived from the original on 16 April 2014. Retrieved 12 November 2012.
- ↑ Sreevatsan, Ajai (7 May 2011). "Erratic PNR machines irk passengers". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 12 May 2011. Retrieved 12 November 2012.
- ↑ "Southern Railway—Harbinger for Progressive Changes" (PDF). Southern Railway zone. 2012. Retrieved 7 November 2012.
- ↑ Sarkar, Arita (30 June 2012). "Lack of display system on platforms at Central leaves passengers clueless". The Hindu. Retrieved 5 August 2012.
- ↑ Narayanan, Vivek (27 September 2014). "Central station is first in country to get free Wi-Fi". The Hindu. Retrieved 4 October 2014.
- ↑ "Central station lacks drinking water facility". Deccan Chronicle. 6 September 2012. Archived from the original on 6 September 2012. Retrieved 8 November 2012.
- ↑ "Chennai Central railway station gets 5,000 litre drinking water plant". The Times of India. 20 September 2018. Retrieved 23 December 2021.
- ↑ Sekar, Sunitha (9 February 2013). "Stations lacking". The Hindu. Retrieved 11 February 2013.
- ↑ Vidya, Venkat (25 May 2008). "Treading rough and rugged tracks, loaded with woes". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 27 May 2008. Retrieved 7 November 2012.
- ↑ "Platform car at Chennai Central for elderly, disabled". The Times of India. 8 January 2009. Archived from the original on 14 November 2013. Retrieved 8 November 2012.
- ↑ "Bustling Central lacks emergency care: PIL". The Times of India. 23 November 2012. Retrieved 19 December 2012.
{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: deprecated archival service (link) - ↑ "Set up health centre at Central Station in three months: Court". The Hindu. 18 December 2012. Retrieved 19 December 2012.
- ↑ Subramani, A (17 December 2012). "24-hour emergency medicare facility soon at Chennai central railway station". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 26 May 2013. Retrieved 19 December 2012.
- ↑ Ayyappan, V. (16 April 2013). "Chennai Central gets 24/7 emergency medical centre". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 16 April 2014. Retrieved 18 April 2013.
- ↑ Yogesh Kabirdoss (22 October 2012). "Parking fee hike at Central draws commuter's ire". The New Indian Express. Archived from the original on 16 April 2014. Retrieved 12 November 2012.
- ↑ Thomas, Liffy (30 April 2011). "Relief for car parking lot users at Central station". The Hindu. Retrieved 11 August 2012.
- ↑ Kannal Achuthan (8 March 2008). "'Premium' parking lot for cars at Chennai Central to be opened". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 14 March 2008. Retrieved 12 November 2012.
- ↑ "Premium parking lot reopens at Central railway station". The Hindu. 14 December 2019. Retrieved 28 December 2019.
- ↑ Varma, M. Dinesh (7 December 2012). "New agency undertakes cleaning of Egmore station". The Hindu. Retrieved 13 December 2012.
- ↑ Karthikeyan, K. (20 July 2012). "Maintenance not on right track". The Asian Age. Archived from the original on 21 July 2012. Retrieved 7 November 2012.
- ↑ "Cleanliness drive in railway stations". The Hindu. 8 July 2010. Retrieved 7 November 2012.
- ↑ Kumar, S. Vijay (25 October 2012). "Southern Railway goes in for bio-toilets in trains". The Hindu. Retrieved 7 November 2012.
- ↑ Peter, Petlee (25 May 2009). "Rail passengers find it hard to locate police station". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 29 May 2009. Retrieved 12 November 2012.
- ↑ "At Central, railway police feel the heat!". The Hindu. 21 May 2005. Archived from the original on 23 May 2005. Retrieved 12 November 2012.
- ↑ "Railway police launches two helplines". The Hindu. 1 May 2012. Retrieved 25 November 2012.
- ↑ "RPF bomb squad for Chennai Central". The Hindu. Chennai. 3 May 2002. Archived from the original on 30 December 2004. Retrieved 14 November 2012.
- ↑ "S Railway sanctions Rs 15-cr scheme". The Times of India. Chennai. 11 June 2009. Retrieved 10 November 2012.
{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: deprecated archival service (link) - ↑ "Central station CCTV nets its first suspect". The Hindu. 9 February 2009. Archived from the original on 12 February 2009. Retrieved 12 November 2012.
- ↑ Varma, M. Dinesh (7 November 2012). "Chennai Central, Egmore to come under high-tech security blanket". The Hindu. Retrieved 7 November 2012.
- ↑ "Chennai Central gets 360-degree surveillance". Deccan Chronicle. 16 November 2012. Archived from the original on 9 April 2023. Retrieved 29 November 2012.
- ↑ "Hi-tech security system launched at Central, Egmore rail stations". The Hindu. 16 November 2012. Retrieved 24 November 2012.
- ↑ "Decongestion of Trunk railway routes". Government of India (Press release). Archived from the original on 29 May 2024. Retrieved 10 August 2015.
- ↑ Vydhianathan, S. (15 April 2003). "Central-Egmore link project stone-laying tomorrow". The Hindu. Chennai. Archived from the original on 16 April 2014. Retrieved 14 November 2012.
- ↑ "Nitish lays foundation for Central-Egmore rail link". Business Line. 17 April 2003. Retrieved 14 November 2012.
- ↑ Vydhianathan, S. (21 October 2002). "Central-Egmore rail link may fail to get official nod". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 16 April 2014. Retrieved 14 November 2012.
- ↑ Balaji, J. (2 September 2008). "Central-Egmore link: Railways presses for NOC". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 3 September 2008. Retrieved 14 November 2012.
- ↑ "A Case Study on Replacement of Screw Piles by Well Foundation Under Running Traffic" (PDF). Indian Railway Institute of Civil Engineering. Archived from the original (PDF) on 16 April 2014. Retrieved 18 November 2012.
- ↑ "No more fish stench at Central railway station". The Indian Express. 13 November 2012. Retrieved 13 November 2012.
- ↑ Lakshmi, K. (26 June 2012). "It's a long transit for parcels at Central". The Hindu. Retrieved 5 August 2012.
- ↑ "About Us". Southern Railway zone. Archived from the original on 24 April 2016. Retrieved 12 November 2012.
- ↑ Ayyappan, V. (9 July 2012). "Railway staff battle muck, indifference". The Times of India. Chennai. Retrieved 10 November 2012.
{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: deprecated archival service (link) - ↑ "Clean-up starts at Basin Bridge train care centre". The Times of India. Chennai. 18 July 2012. Retrieved 10 November 2012.
{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: deprecated archival service (link) - ↑ Ayyappan, V. (29 October 2012). "Passengers panic as pests overrun dirty train bogies". The Times of India. Retrieved 10 November 2012.
{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: deprecated archival service (link) - ↑ "Train care centre in Chennai needs thorough overhaul". The Times of India. 31 July 2012. Retrieved 10 November 2012.
{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: deprecated archival service (link) - ↑ Saqaf, Syed Muthahar; R. Rajaram (23 August 2010). "Electric locomotive trip shed at Tiruchi junction". The Hindu. Chennai. Archived from the original on 27 August 2010. Retrieved 17 November 2012.
- ↑ "Locomotive Sheds". IRFCA. Retrieved 12 November 2012.
- ↑ "Freight Sheds and Marshalling Yards". IRFCA. Retrieved 12 November 2012.
- ↑ 100.0 100.1 "Chennai rail map" (PDF). Indiarail Info. Retrieved 1 June 2025.
- ↑ 101.0 101.1 "Chennai rail map" (PDF). IRFCA. Retrieved 1 June 2025.
- ↑ "First skywalk to link Chennai Central with GH". The Hindu. 23 June 2012. Retrieved 23 June 2012.
- ↑ "Metro rail seals fate of shops near Central". The Hindu. 22 July 2012. Retrieved 5 August 2012.
- ↑ "Hawkers force public to choose road over subways". Deccan Chronicle. 6 August 2012. Archived from the original on 9 April 2023. Retrieved 13 November 2012.
- ↑ Hemalatha, Karthikeyan (4 June 2011). "Central: Where jaywalkers, callous bus drivers face off". The Times of India. Retrieved 24 November 2012.
{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: deprecated archival service (link) - ↑ Sridhar, Asha (25 April 2012). "Mini-bus facility at airport fails to take off". The Hindu. Chennai. Retrieved 5 November 2012.
- ↑ M, Lavanya (29 May 2012). "Auto and taxi drivers badly hit". The Hindu. Chennai. Retrieved 4 November 2012.
- ↑ "Autos in short supply at Chennai Central railway station". The Times of India. Chennai. 3 January 2012. Retrieved 25 November 2012.
{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: deprecated archival service (link) - ↑ "Platform car at Chennai Central for elderly, disabled". Business Line. 14 August 2006. Retrieved 8 November 2012.
- ↑ Vijaya Kumar, S.; S. Vydhianathan (30 April 2009). "Hijack leads to train collision, 4 die". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 2 May 2009. Retrieved 22 September 2012.
- ↑ "Bizarre Rail Accident in Chennai Kills 4". Outlook. 29 April 2009. Archived from the original on 16 April 2014. Retrieved 22 September 2012.
- ↑ "7 killed in train accident in Tamil Nadu". India Today. 29 April 2009. Retrieved 22 September 2012.
- ↑ "Blasts at Chennai Central railway station kill 1, cops detain suspect". Firstpost. May 2014. Retrieved 1 May 2014.
- ↑ Mohan, Gopu (28 October 2014). "1 killed and 14 injured after twin blasts hit train at Chennai station". The Indian Express. Retrieved 14 July 2023.
- ↑ "Passengers stranded as 16 trains from, via Chennai cancelled due to COVID-19". The New Indian Express. 18 March 2020. Retrieved 5 December 2020.
- ↑ "After six months, train services from Chennai to Kerala and Karnataka to resume on Sunday". The New Indian Express. 24 September 2020. Retrieved 5 December 2020.
- ↑ "When Tamil cinema and railways cross tracks in Chennai". The Hindu. 18 August 2025. Retrieved 1 January 2026.
- ↑ Vardhan, Harsh (October 2006). "Indian Steam in Cinema". IRFCA.org. Retrieved 17 November 2012.
- ↑ "Award Winning Poems". Indian Poetry. Archived from the original on 24 September 2015. Retrieved 7 November 2015.
- ↑ "Madras Central by Nambisan". India Uncut. Archived from the original on 8 December 2015. Retrieved 7 November 2015.
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