Chennai trams set for a comeback after 75 years; CM Stalin approves plan for new 15.4 km corridor
This revival holds special significance as Chennai, then Madras, was home to India's first electric tramway. Operated by the Madras Electric Tramway Company, the service ran for about 67 years after its inauguration in 1895 before ceasing operations.
Chennai: In a move that blends heritage with futuristic urban planning, Chennai is set to revive its long-dormant tram service as part of a monumental ₹2.5 lakh crore Comprehensive Mobility Plan (CMP). The initiative, approved by Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, outlines a 25-year blueprint to radically transform public transport in the Chennai Metropolitan Region, integrating buses, rails, and a modern tram network.
A Nod to History: The Return of the Tram on a New 15.4 km Route
The iconic tram service, which was discontinued in the mid-20th century, is poised for a grand return. Preliminary plans identify a modern tram line covering a distance of 15.4 km, connecting key areas like T. Nagar, Nungambakkam, Nandanam, and Kalanagarai. This route is designed to improve travel within some of the city's most congested localities. A detailed feasibility study will soon be conducted to finalize the alignment, identify locations for two proposed workshops spanning 3 acres, and outline technical requirements. The project promises to offer an eco-friendly transport alternative while seamlessly integrating with Chennai's existing transit network.
The Grand Vision: Chennai's ₹2.5 Lakh Crore Comprehensive Mobility Plan
The tram revival is a key component of the broader CMP, which was finalized in a meeting of the Chennai Unified Metropolitan Transport Authority (CUMTA). The ambitious plan sets forth a phased expansion of the city's transport infrastructure with the following targets by 2048:
- Metro Rail: The current metro network will be expanded from 172 km to a massive 444 km, which includes ongoing Phase I and II projects and a new 152 km Metro Light Rail network.
- Suburban Rail: The plan involves modernizing 126 km of existing routes and building 182 km of new suburban rail lines.
- Bus Rapid Transit System (BRTS): A sprawling 438 km BRTS network will be developed, creating high-speed bus corridors connecting Chennai to regions like Kanchipuram, Chengalpattu, Gummidipoondi, and even as far as Nellore and Puducherry.
Phased Investment and a Legacy Reborn
The CMP has been strategically divided into short, medium, and long-term phases to ensure systematic implementation. A funding of ₹75,976 crore has been allocated for projects to be completed by 2030, with a focus on public transport expansion. This is followed by ₹95,777 crore for projects up to 2040, and ₹40,768 crore for the final stage leading up to 2048.
This revival holds special significance as Chennai, then Madras, was home to India's first electric tramway. Operated by the Madras Electric Tramway Company, the service ran for about 67 years after its inauguration in 1895 before ceasing operations.