When public transport paves the way for Chennai’s development
This article traces the evolution of public transport in Chennai, from early train services and trams to the modern Metro and bus networks. It discusses the city's status as a transport pioneer while noting the ongoing challenges in completing major infrastructure projects.
Why it matters
It provides context on urban development and the critical role of public transit in supporting the growth of a major metropolitan area.
Chennai has always been a trendsetter in the public transport scene in the country, be it the first train service to be operated in South India from Royapuram railway station to Walajah Road (now Wallajahpet) in Ranipet or one of the earliest tramway system snaking through the arterial roads of Anna Salai.
These were followed by the dedicated metre-gauge suburban trains linking the suburbs with the city and the ubiquitous buses of the Metropolitan Transport Corporation (MTC), which was earlier called the Pallavan Transport Corporation (PTC).
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in