The Chennai division of Southern Railways (SR) recorded a historic revenue of Rs 4,611 crore in 2024-25, said Divisional Railway Manager Mr. Shailendra Singh. Up to July this fiscal year, SR has already earned Rs 1,563 crore.
The division serves over 12 lakh passengers daily, including 9 lakh suburban travelers. Capacity has increased by 21% with the upgrade of EMU rakes from 9-car to 12-car on major suburban routes. A fourth railway line between Chennai Beach and Egmore has been added for operational efficiency. Train speeds on Chennai-Gudur, Chennai-Jolarpettai, and Arakkonam-Renigunta sections have also increased from 110 kmph to 130 kmph.
Several new facilities have been commissioned, including 88 lifts, 69 escalators, pay-and-use toilets at 39 stations, ATVMs at 52 locations, emergency medical care at 3 stations, digital lockers at Central and Katpadi stations, executive lounges, a/c waiting halls, information boards at 44 stations, and CCTV coverage at 49 stations. From April, an a/c EMU train began operations. The Railway Protection Force (RPF) has rescued 792 children and saved 17 passenger lives, highlighting the division’s focus on safety alongside infrastructure growth.