Southern Railway Chennai Division hits Rs 5,000 crore earnings milestone

Southern Railway’s Chennai Division reported a significant financial milestone in FY26, with total earnings reaching Rs 5,038.30 crore, a 9 percent increase over the previous year. During this period, the division transported 432.98 million passengers and achieved a freight loading of 11.33 million tonnes, representing a 6 percent rise in freight volume.

Infrastructure developments are ongoing, including the Chengalpattu-Arakkonam doubling project, a Rs 926.52 crore initiative aimed at increasing train capacity from 13 to 50 trains per day. Additionally, work continues on the Kilambakkam railway station, with railway premises work expected to conclude by October 2026.

However, a report from the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India highlighted challenges regarding fund management and station maintenance. The audit found that Southern Railway underutilised between 45 and 77 percent of funds allocated for passenger amenities between 2019 and 2024. The CAG noted that 59 percent of assessed works were delayed, with several major stations in Tamil Nadu, such as MGR Central and Chennai Egmore, showing deficiencies in basic facilities like drinking water, sanitation, and platform shelters.