This 118-year-old railway station in Tamil Nadu is getting Rs 842 crore makeover

Redevelopment of Chennai Egmore railway station

Of these, Chennai Egmore railway station is being redeveloped at an estimated cost of around Rs 842 crore. The station falls under the administrative control of Chennai Division of Southern Railway (SR).

According to A Elumalai, Public Relations Officer (PRO) of Chennai Division, the construction of the Chennai Egmore Terminal station for all south-bound trains commenced in September 1905 and was completed on June 11, 1908. Built by the South Indian Railway, then headquartered at Tiruchirappalli, the station was constructed at a cost of Rs 17 lakh.

About Chennai Egmore railway station in Tamil Nadu

The Chennai Egmore railway station was designed in the Indo-Saracenic architectural style incorporating several Dravidian elements. The architectural design was prepared by Henry Irwin (Chief Engineer) and CH Bird (Company Architect), while the construction was executed by Swaminatha Pillai of Bangalore.

“The imposing two-storey main station building measured 500 feet in length and 71 feet in width. The departure and arrival platforms, measuring 895 feet, 700 feet and 650 feet respectively, were connected by a footbridge and covered by magnificent three-span steel plate roofs with glazed gable ends, reflecting the engineering excellence of the era,” the official said. He noted that the historic Boat Mail holds the distinction of being the first train to operate from the station.

It handles over 562 scheduled trains (442 Suburban trains and 120 Mail/ Express) daily. It witnessed an average peak hour footfall of more than 24,600. However, over the decades, this railway station has emerged into one of the busiest and important terminal stations, serving millions of passengers annually.

Modernisation of Chennai Egmore railway station

“As part of Indian Railways’ vision to develop world-class passenger infrastructure, Chennai Egmore Railway Station is currently undergoing a comprehensive redevelopment at an estimated cost of around Rs 842 crore,” the PRO said.

According to Southern Railway, two terminals will be constructed, o­ne at the Gandhi Irwin (GI) Road Side and o­ne at the Poonamallee High (PH) Road side. It will have G+3 structure with amenities like waiting lounge, ticketing area, commercial area and Roof plaza, etc.

There will be separate entry and exit for passengers, Parcel FOB, adequate Lifts and escalators. A multi-level car parking facility is also being developed on both the GI and PH sides of the station. The proposed G+5 structure will include commercial spaces, parking facilities for cars and two-wheelers and a budget hotel.