Chennai Central railway station

Chennai Central railway station
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Name	Chennai Central
Native name	சென்னை சென்ட்ரல்
Type	Indian Railways station
Style	Southern Railway
Address	Park Town, Chennai
Coordinates	13.0824, 80.2751
Line	Chennai–Mumbai, Chennai–Kolkata, Chennai–New Delhi
Platform	17
Tracks	18
Structure	At-grade
Opened	08 May 1873
Rebuilt	1998, 2018
Code	MAS
Owned	Indian Railways
Operator	Southern Railway
Website	https://indianrail.gov.in

Chennai Central railway station. It is a major railway terminus in the capital city of Tamil Nadu, serving as a primary gateway to South India and a crucial hub for the Indian Railways network. Operated by the Southern Railway zone, the station handles over 350,000 passengers daily and connects Chennai to major metropolitan centers like Mumbai, Kolkata, New Delhi, and Bengaluru. Its iconic British-era structure, featuring a prominent clock tower, is a recognized landmark and has been designated a heritage station by the Ministry of Railways.

History

The station's origins trace back to the Madras and Southern Mahratta Railway, with the original building inaugurated on 8 May 1873 by the then Governor of Madras, Sir William Robinson. It was constructed to consolidate railway operations from the Royapuram railway station, which was the first railway station in Madras. The station was significantly expanded and modernized in the late 1990s, with a new annexe building, now known as the Chennai Central suburban terminal, inaugurated in 1998 to segregate long-distance and suburban train services. In 2018, the station was officially renamed Puratchi Thalaivar Dr. M.G. Ramachandran Central Railway Station by the Government of Tamil Nadu, though it continues to be popularly known as Chennai Central.

Architecture

The main heritage building, designed by architect George Harding, is a sterling example of colonial Gothic Revival architecture, constructed using brick and stucco. Its most distinctive feature is a 136-foot-high clock tower, which was modeled after the Clock Tower of the Palace of Westminster in London. The station's facade includes pointed arches, intricate cornices, and a grand central entrance. The 1998 annexe, built with modern amenities, contrasts with the older structure and was designed by the Rail India Technical and Economic Service. The interior of the old building houses a historic stone plaque commemorating its opening and a statue of Dr. M.G. Ramachandran.

Operations and services

The station is classified as an **A1**-category station and serves as the headquarters of the Chennai railway division. It is a terminal for over 300 daily train services, including premier trains like the Rajdhani Express, Duronto Express, Shatabdi Express, and the Brindavan Express to Bengaluru. It is a major hub for trains bound for Northern, Western, and Eastern India. The station complex includes separate terminals for long-distance (main building) and electric multiple unit suburban services (annexe), with facilities managed by the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation. It also serves as the originating point for the Chennai Metro's underground station, **Central Metro**.

Connectivity

The station is a central node in Chennai's urban transport network, located adjacent to the Chennai Mofussil Bus Terminus (CMBT), facilitating seamless inter-modal connectivity. It is directly connected to the Chennai Metro through the **Central Metro** station on the Blue Line and is well-served by the MTC bus system. Major city arteries like Poonamallee High Road and Wall Tax Road provide road access, while the station is approximately 7 km from the Chennai International Airport. Autorickshaws and app-based taxi services like Ola Cabs and Uber operate extensively from its forecourts.

Incidents and developments

A significant fire incident occurred in 2014 at the station's heritage building, damaging a section of the roof and the iconic clock tower, which required extensive restoration work. Security was heightened following the 2008 Mumbai attacks, with the installation of advanced surveillance systems and the deployment of the Government Railway Police and Railway Protection Force. Recent developments include the integration with the Chennai Metro, the commissioning of a new foot over bridge, and ongoing modernization projects under the Indian Railways' **Station Redevelopment Programme** aimed at enhancing passenger amenities and commercial space. The station is also a focal point for the proposed Chennai Hyperloop and high-speed rail corridors.

Category:Railway stations in Chennai Category:Buildings and structures in Chennai Category:Railway stations opened in 1873