The draft memorandum of understanding (MoU), which outlines the details of revenue sharing, station development, and other aspects, has been submitted to the railway board for approval.
The Tamil Nadu government has approved a draft memorandum of understanding to improve the MRTS (Mass Rapid Transit System) stations and make them more user-friendly.
This move aims to transform the currently unwieldy and desolate stations into spaces that cater to the needs of the people.
In a phased approach, the state government will take over the Beach-Velachery MRTS route, which consists of 18 stations, from the railways.
The plan is to merge this route with the Chennai metro rail and extend it to St Thomas Mount within the next year or two.
To begin with, the state government is focusing on taking over the maintenance and development of the MRTS stations. Proposals and plans are being finalised to ensure a smooth transition and effective management.
Due to the under-utilisation of floor space in and around the MRTS stations, they have become a hub for urban crime. To address this issue, the proposal suggests setting up shops, eateries, and markets to attract people from the neighboring areas. This will not only ensure a continuous flow of people but also enhance security and generate revenue.
The draft memorandum of understanding (MoU), which outlines the details of revenue sharing, station development, and other aspects, has been submitted to the railway board for approval.
It is expected that the board will review the document and suggest any necessary additions or changes, a process that may take a few months.
Once approved, Chennai Unified Metropolitan Transport Authority (Cumta) will require only two weeks to initiate the process of inviting tenders for the development of these stations. It is expected that each station will be assigned to a single bidder who will be responsible for its redevelopment and maintenance.
All the necessary documentation is already prepared, and a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) will be established to carry out the work.
During the initial phase, Cumta will be responsible for the operation and maintenance of passenger amenities. This includes the upkeep of platforms and passenger movement areas. The remaining areas will be handed over to private entities for commercial purposes.
For commercial development, Cumta has identified Velachery, Taramani, and Thiruvanmiyur MRTS stations. These stations will feature mini shopping malls, gaming arcades, and other facilities to enhance the passenger experience.
In the second phase, Cumta plans to fully take over the operations. A separate Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been prepared for this purpose.
However, this expansion will incur higher costs. Approximately 140 crore will be required for station maintenance, while 300 crore will be allocated for track work and other related expenses, as estimated by officials.
According to an official, once the complete takeover occurs, access control will be implemented at all stations similar to metro rail stations. The estimated cost for each station will be at least 3 crore, reports Times Of India.