Southern Railway Chennai Division operations and finances

Southern Railway’s Chennai Division has experienced significant operational and financial shifts. In early August 2026, the division implemented extensive schedule changes and diversions for long-distance services, including the Vivek Express and Cholan Superfast Express, due to redevelopment at MGR Chennai Central and Chennai Egmore stations. These adjustments included the temporary relocation of nine express trains to Tambaram and Mambalam, as well as the cancellation of several EMU services.

By mid-August 2026, the division reported reaching a financial milestone with FY26 earnings of Rs 5,038.30 crore, a 9 percent year-on-year increase. This growth was accompanied by a 6 percent rise in freight volume and ongoing infrastructure projects, such as the Chengalpattu-Arakkonam doubling initiative.

Despite these financial gains, a report from the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India identified management challenges. The audit revealed that between 2019 and 2024, the railway underutilised between 45 and 77 percent of funds allocated for passenger amenities. Furthermore, the CAG noted that 59 percent of assessed works were delayed, citing deficiencies in basic facilities like sanitation and drinking water at major stations including MGR Central and Chennai Egmore.