Puratchi Thalaivar Dr. M.G. Ramachandran Central Railway Station

M.G.R. Chennai Central Railway Station

(Formerly Madras Central / Chennai Central)

M.G.R. Chennai Central (station code: MAS) is the primary railway gateway to Chennai, Tamil Nadu, and one of India’s busiest railway stations. Serving as the headquarters of the Southern Railway Zone, it connects South India to major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Bengaluru.

Overview

• Location: Grand Western Trunk Road, Periyamet, Chennai – 600003.
• Coordinates: 13°04′57″N 80°16′30″E.
• Elevation: 3.465 metres (11.37 ft) above sea level.
• Operated by: Southern Railway (Indian Railways).
• Station Code: MAS (derived from “Madras”).
• Rebranded: Renamed in 2019 after former Tamil Nadu CM M.G. Ramachandran.

History

• Opened: 1873 (as Madras Central) under British rule.
• Architecture: Romanesque Revival style with a iconic clock tower.
• Key Renovations:
  • 1959 (First major upgrade).
  • 1998 (Modernization with suburban terminal).
• Name Changes:
  • Madras Central (1873–1996).
  • Chennai Central (1996–2019).
  • M.G.R. Chennai Central (2019–present).

Infrastructure & Facilities

• Platforms: 17 (12 for long-distance, 5 for suburban trains).
• Tracks: 17.
• Electrification: Since 1931.
• Accessibility:
  • Wheelchair ramps, reserved parking.
  • Connects to Chennai Metro (Purple Line), MRTS, and MTC buses.
• Parking: Paid parking available.

Transport Links

• Suburban Rail: Chennai Suburban Terminal (Platforms 11–17).
• Metro: Dr. M.G.R. Central Metro Station (adjacent).
• MRTS: Park Town Station (1 km away).
• Buses: MTC stops outside the station.

Significance

• Passenger Traffic: Over 500,000 daily commuters.
• Key Routes:
  • Chennai–New Delhi (Grand Trunk Express).
  • Chennai–Howrah (Coromandel Express).
  • Chennai–Mumbai (Chennai Mail).
• Cultural Icon: Featured in films like “Chennai Express”.

Links

• Chennai Suburban Railway
• Southern Railway Zone

References

1. “Romanesque influences in colonial railway architecture” – Indian Heritage Review.
2. “Madras Central: 150 Years of Rail History” – The Hindu.
3. “Electrification of Indian Railways” – IRFCA Journal.